Highlights - Vote on the Accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

On 28 November, IMCO adopted the draft report of Mr Chatzimarkakis on the proposal for a directive on the accessibility of public sector bodies' websites. The report was adopted with 30 votes in favour and 3 against, with all 30 compromise amendments going through. The report introduces substantial changes to the definitions of terms used in the directive; it seeks to extend the scope to all public sector bodies' websites and to websites belonging to other entities performing public tasks (as defined through a new annex). In line with the scope extension, the report foresees a set of staggered deadlines, distinguishing between new and existing content and with a further transitional period for live audio content. In addition, the report strengthens the monitoring, enforcement and reporting provisions. As a next step, the rapporteur will seek a mandate of the Committee to start negotiations with Council prior to the end of this legislature.