Accessibility compliance among Europe's leading companies

Accessibility requirements in Webranking

As part of the assessment, we conducted technical scans on 50 pages across 642 corporate websites of Europe’s largest companies, using Accessibility Cloud's digital accessibility testing platform. Companies received a rating from A to E based on error density (the average number of accessibility errors per page).

However, it is important to note that technical scans alone are not sufficient to ensure full accessibility. While automated testing efficiently identifies common issues, such as missing alternative text or insufficient colour contrast, many accessibility aspects require manual evaluation. Issues related to keyboard navigation, screen reader usability, and logical content structure often go undetected by automated tools, making human testing a necessary complement to digital scans.

Another of the newly added criteria is the presence of an accessibility statement, which is a formal declaration outlining a company’s commitment to accessibility. These statements provide critical information, including details about a website's accessible features, ongoing improvements, and channels for reporting accessibility issues.

This article delves into the key findings from this year's Webranking, highlighting how companies are addressing accessibility challenges and opportunities.

Key findings

• Rising importance of accessibility: With the European Accessibility Act coming into effect in June, accessibility compliance is becoming a critical priority for corporate websites.

• Performance overview: Of the 642 European corporate websites analysed, 33% received an A rating for strong compliance, while 44% achieved a B rating, indicating progress with room for improvement. However, 23% of websites were rated C, D, or E, highlighting some accessibility gaps.

• Accessibility statements: Only 28% of companies provided an accessibility statement, leaving room for improvement.

• Best performers: Norway, the UK, Sweden, and Finland led in accessibility compliance, with the majority of their companies receiving A or B ratings.

• Key challenges: The most common accessibility issues included insufficient target sizes (45.3%), inadequate colour contrast (19.7%), and unclear link text (10.2%). 

Performance overview

Average rating

Websites were rated on a scale from A (highest) to E (lowest) based on error density. The distribution of ratings demonstrates that while many companies have made significant efforts, there is still room for improvement.

• 33% of companies achieved an A rating, reflecting strong compliance and a proactive approach to accessibility.

• 44% received a B rating, indicating good progress but with some areas needing improvement.

• 14% were rated C, showing moderate compliance but several key accessibility gaps.

• 7% received a D rating, signalling significant non-compliance and the need for urgent improvements.

• 2% were rated E, representing the lowest levels of accessibility compliance.

Accessibility statement

28% of the ranked companies present an accessibility statement, leaving plenty of room for improvement.

Accessibility statements play a key role in communicating a company’s commitment to accessibility, providing essential information about compliance with standards, ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, and ways for users to report issues or seek assistance. The absence of an accessibility statement can create uncertainty about a company’s approach to accessibility.

Accor clearly outline their commitment to web accessibility, ensuring compliance with international standards and offering a variety of features to accommodate users with disabilities.

Glanbia's accessibility statement clearly outlines their commitment to meeting global accessibility standards (WCAG).

Best-performing countries and companies

The results also revealed regional differences, with some countries emerging as clear leaders in accessibility.

The countries where the highest proportion of companies received an A or B rating were.

These countries set a strong example, demonstrating that prioritising accessibility can be effectively integrated into corporate web development practices.

On a company level, several companies stood out for having exceptionally low error density, indicating a high degree of accessibility compliance. These companies and countries illustrate how accessibility can be successfully implemented, serving as benchmarks for others to follow.

The companies with the lowest error density (average number of errors per page) were:

• Games Workshop Group: Achieved an error density of 0, with no discovered errors—a rare and commendable achievement.

• LPP, NatWest Group, Nordea: Each had an error density of 0.02, reflecting highly optimised and accessible websites.

• Aegon, Banco BPM, Equinor: Each recorded an error density of 0.04, maintaining good accessibility standards.

Key challenges

Despite progress in accessibility compliance, many corporate websites continue to face recurring issues that hinder usability for diverse audiences. The Webranking 2024-2025 analysis identified three primary problem areas that companies must address to improve their accessibility performance.

Insufficient target size: 45.3%

Nearly half of the websites analysed failed to ensure that interactive elements, such as buttons and links, had sufficient target size and spacing. This issue can make navigation particularly challenging for users with motor impairments or those accessing websites on smaller devices, such as smartphones.

To address this, companies should ensure that touch targets are large enough to be easily selected and spaced adequately to avoid accidental clicks.

Inadequate colour contrast: 19.7%

Close to one in five websites did not meet the minimum colour contrast ratio thresholds necessary for readability. Poor colour contrast can make text difficult to read, particularly for users with visual impairments, such as colour blindness.

Ensuring that all elements meet the required contrast ratio is essential for improving legibility and overall user experience. Tools such as contrast checkers can assist in identifying and correcting these issues.

Missing or unclear link text: 10.2%

A significant number of websites failed to provide discernible text for links, with over 10% of links lacking clear labels. This issue can create barriers for screen reader users, who rely on meaningful link names to navigate content effectively.

Using descriptive and specific link text is critical to ensure that all users, including those using assistive technologies, can easily understand where a link will take them.

How to improve accessibility on your corporate website

The findings from Webranking 2024-2025 underline the importance of prioritising accessibility in corporate websites. With the European Accessibility Act set to come into effect later this year, companies need to recognise accessibility as a core aspect of their digital presence and corporate communication strategies.

To improve accessibility, companies could focus on the following:

Incorporate accessibility requirements from start to end: Accessibility considerations should be integrated during the design and development phases of websites, ensuring compliance with international standards such as WCAG.

Address common errors: Prioritise correcting issues such as insufficient target sizes, inadequate colour contrast, and unclear link text, which continue to hinder usability.

Publish accessibility statements: Including a clear accessibility statement is a straightforward but impactful step to communicate commitment, enhance transparency, and provide users with a way to report issues or request support.

Leverage tools and resources: Utilising automated tools like digital accessibility testing platforms can help identify and address accessibility gaps efficient.How we can help

Our team includes experienced consultants with extensive expertise in improving website accessibility at every stage, from design to development. We also collaborate with specialised partners to provide a deeper, more niche expertise.

How we can help

Our team includes experienced consultants with extensive expertise in improving website accessibility at every stage, from design to development. We also collaborate with specialised partners to provide a deeper, more niche expertise