The Ethereum Foundation has published a new statement outlining how it sees the future relationship between Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. In its view, Ethereum L1 will continue to serve as the global settlement hub and the core foundation for DeFi, while L2s are expected to evolve beyond pure scaling infrastructure into environments offering more differentiated and customized services.
L1 remains the settlement and DeFi anchor
According to the foundation, the base layer will keep its central role in the ecosystem even as more execution moves elsewhere. Ethereum mainnet is expected to remain the trusted layer for settlement, finality, and the most important financial functions. This framing reinforces the idea that L1 is not being replaced by rollups, but instead preserved as the security and value anchor of the broader network.
L2s move beyond simple scalability
On the Layer 2 side, the statement suggests a shift in purpose. Rather than being defined only by throughput gains or lower fees, L2s are increasingly expected to deliver differentiated and tailored services. That points to a future where various L2 networks specialize more clearly around application needs, user experience, and performance profiles, instead of competing solely on cost and speed.
Security standards, composability, and native rollups
The foundation also called for stronger security expectations across the rollup ecosystem. It recommended that L2 solutions meet at least Stage 1 security standards and encouraged progress toward Stage 2. In addition, it highlighted the importance of synchronous composability and further development of native rollups. Together, these priorities suggest Ethereum’s scaling roadmap is increasingly focused not just on capacity, but also on interoperability and more deeply integrated rollup designs.
Expanding L1 and Blob capacity
Beyond architecture, the Ethereum Foundation said it is committed to increasing the capabilities of both L1 and Blob space. The statement noted that Blob capacity is currently running at roughly 30% utilization, implying there is still meaningful room for growth. At the same time, the foundation said it wants to address the fragmented user experience created by a multichain environment, especially as liquidity and activity spread across different chains and L2s.
Overall, the statement presents a clearer division of labor for Ethereum’s future: L1 as the secure settlement core, and L2s as specialized service layers. Security, composability, and a smoother cross-chain experience appear set to be key priorities in the next phase of ecosystem development.