The AccessibleEU Centre, promoted by the European Commission (Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers), is organising the event “Building an Accessible Book Ecosystem: Publishers at the Heart of the European Accessibility Act Transition” . The conference will take place on September 30 in Brussels and is organised jointly with the European Blind Union (EBU).

The overall objective of the event is to explore how the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the Marrakesh Treaty will drive a more accessible publishing ecosystem, highlighting the essential role of publishers and the need to ensure that e-books and reading platforms meet accessibility standards for all users.

Fondazione LIA will take part in the event with its Secretary General Cristina Mussinelli, bringing Italy’s contribution and experience to the shared path towards a fully accessible publishing ecosystem in Europe.

Info

With the entry into force of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in June 2025, e-books, reading platforms and digital distribution services must comply with mandatory accessibility requirements. This regulatory shift aligns with the Marrakesh Treaty, creating a unique opportunity to democratise access to culture and information for people with visual impairments, intellectual disabilities and reading difficulties.

The event will analyse legal and technical obligations, highlight the role of publishers, identify challenges in producing accessible digital content, and present best practices and tools such as accessible EPUB, metadata standards and validation processes.

The event is aimed at key actors in the publishing and accessibility ecosystem: publishers, digital distribution platforms and technology providers, libraries and producers of accessible formats, institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, and experts in digital accessibility.

How to participate

September 30,
9.00 to 13.30 (CEST)

The event will take place in hybrid format at the Thon Hotel EU (Rue de la Loi 75, Brussels) and via livestream.