Revolution in ATMs from June 28. Everyone will feel these changes

From June 28, 2025, new regulations regarding the availability of digital services and devices are beginning to apply throughout the European Union. The changes result from the EU directive – a European act on availability – adopted in 2019. The main purpose of the regulations is to facilitate access to technology for people with various disabilities.

New recipes

The new law will include, among others, payment terminals and ATMs. These devices will have to be adapted to the needs of people with motor, sensory or cognitive restrictions. In practice, this means the implementation of solutions that will allow them to safely and independently use them by blind, visually impaired, deaf, as well as those in wheelchairs.

The required changes will include voice messages that facilitate service for people with visual impairments. There will also be markings in Braille’s alphabet and displays with increased contrast, facilitating reading content. The new regulations also impose the obligation of such construction and deployment of ATMs so that people in wheelchairs can use them comfortably.

Not only ATMs

The range of changes is not limited to banking devices. The same availability standards will also have to be met by other commonly used vending machines – including ticket machines at stations and parking lots and self -service cash registers in stores. Also websites, mobile applications and online stores will have to be adapted to the needs of users with disabilities.

The European availability act is an important step towards the liquidation of digital barriers and increasing the independence of people with restrictions. The changes that will come into force in a few days will be visible to everyone – especially in public space and during daily activities, such as cash payment or shopping.