Accessibility

Accessibility rules are tightening. Subtitles are where most broadcasters start.

The European Accessibility Act applies since June 2025. It sets rules for how people reach audiovisual content: apps, websites, programme guides, and how subtitles are delivered. The AVMSD separately asks broadcasters to make their content steadily more accessible. For audiences who speak a regional language, that means subtitles they can actually read.

Last updated 19 October 2026

What does the law require from broadcasters?

EU law

European Accessibility Act

Applies since 28 June 2025. Covers apps, websites and programme guides, and requires subtitles to be delivered in full, in sync and in good quality. It does not oblige you to subtitle every programme.

EU law

AVMSD Article 7

Requires services to become continuously and progressively more accessible. It is about accessibility, not a translation mandate.

Where things stand

60% subtitled

Public broadcasters subtitle about 60% of what they air (EBU, 2022).

What this means for regional languages

The law sets how subtitles must be delivered, not which programmes get them or in which languages. That choice is yours, and translation is how you reach the part of your audience that does not speak the broadcast language.

In Luxembourg, nearly half of residents are not Luxembourgish (STATEC, 2026).

Frequently asked questions

Does the European Accessibility Act require subtitles in other languages?

No. The EAA, which applies since 28 June 2025, covers how audiovisual services are accessed and how subtitles are delivered, not which programmes must be subtitled or in which languages.

Which German laws implement it for media?

The BFSG implements the EAA for products and services. The State Media Treaty (MStV) covers accessibility of audiovisual media access services.

This page is information, not legal advice.