The Ethereum Foundation has shared an updated vision for how Layer 2 networks should evolve and the focus is clearly shifting.
Instead of treating L2s mainly as scaling solutions, the new direction is about differentiation.
According to the Foundation, L2s should offer things that the base layer can’t provide. That includes:
- specialized applications
- non-EVM functionality
- stronger privacy guarantees
- ultra-low latency
- unique fee or market mechanisms
Meanwhile, Ethereum itself remains the core layer for security, decentralization, and settlement. With a clear path to scaling through ZK technologies, L1 is not being replaced, it’s being reinforced.
So where does that leave L2s?
The idea is that strong L2s don’t compete with Ethereum, they extend it in different directions. Each L2 can define its own niche, strategy, and level of integration with L1. Some may aim for deep composability and shared liquidity, while others prioritize independence and custom features.
This aligns with earlier ideas from Vitalik Buterin, who described L2s as a spectrum, not a one-size-fits-all model.
At the same time, the Foundation acknowledges a key challenge: fragmentation. With many L2s operating differently, user experience and liquidity can become scattered. To address this, the EF plans to focus on:
- better interoperability
- improved access to L1 liquidity
- support for privacy and security-focused L2s
- research into native rollups
- collaboration with monitoring platforms like L2Beat
What you guys think, is this the right direction for L2s, or does it risk making the ecosystem too fragmented?
Posted by everstake