As digital banking rapidly becomes the standard, it's essential that everyone—especially people with disabilities and older adults—is able to participate fully and independently. Today, over 101 million people across the European Union live with some form of disability, and by 2050, nearly one-third of the EU's population is projected to be over 65. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), coming into full effect on 28th June 2025, addresses these demographic realities by setting clear and robust requirements for digital financial services. This pivotal legislation underscores the responsibility and opportunity banks have in making their digital platforms and payment solutions truly inclusive, empowering millions of Europeans to engage confidently with the financial sector.

In this sense, both the EBU, together with the ONCE Foundation and the close relationship that unites them, are working on the main barriers faced by people with disabilities, such as difficult access to websites or, simply, to ATMs. when purchasing tickets, household items or making any type of online query. 

This event will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Blind Union, the European Disability Forum, the European Banking Federation, AGE Platform Europe, and the European Accessibility Resource Centre - AccessibleEU, to discuss best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions for improving accessible online banking.

The main objectives are:

• The role of the European Accessibility Act in shaping inclusive banking.
• Discuss best practices for making online and offline banking platforms and tools more user-friendly and secure.
• Explore innovative solutions for accessible payments and transactions. 

Details on the event:

• Target audience: Banking professionals, payment solution providers, UX/UI designers, accessibility experts, regulators and policymakers, consumer advocacy groups.
• When: Tuesday 1 July 2025
• Where: European Banking Federation. DaVinci Room, 56 Avenue des Arts, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium.
• Format: Hybrid.
• Type of event: Awareness-raising
• Language: English
• How to participate: Registration is now closed, but you can join the livestream and follow the event online. Link for online connection to the event.
• Accessibility information: Accessible venue. Captioning in English and International Sign.