Ethereum Foundation reorganizes labor division between L1 and L2 for development
March 24, 2026
The Ethereum Foundation’s Platform team is hard at work with the overarching goal of scaling Ethereum to serve as a unified coordination system that all users can trust and rely on. In a recent article, we dive into the evolving relationship between Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2), shedding light on the distinctive roles of each layer and how we, as a collective ecosystem, can harness the strengths of both to construct the most dynamic platform possible for all users. While some aspects of this vision are clear, others are subject to ongoing experimentation and fine-tuning in collaboration with the community and users.
The ultimate aim is for every individual and institutional user to have a seamless pathway to leverage, extend, and benefit from Ethereum’s core features. Harnessing the unique abilities of each layer is key to achieving this, reinforcing Ethereum’s core values and offering tangible value to end users through them.
As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to evolve, so too do the functionalities of each layer. In the past, L2’s primary mission was scalability, prioritizing differentiation and customization secondarily. Today, L2’s primary goal remains scalability but now includes the delivery of unique features, services, customization, go-to-market strategies, and control. Differentiation, control, and innovation have become the main drivers in the present landscape.
L1 stands as the truly permissionless, globally resilient settlement, shared-state, liquidity, and DeFi hub. A robust and scalable L1, one that upholds CROPS (Censorship Resistance, Openness, Privacy, Security), forms a solid foundation for L2s to thrive. L2s, in turn, offer valuable new functionalities, customization, and control to expand their on-chain economies, while extending Ethereum’s core features to a wider user base. Strong L2 networks bolster the overall Ethereum ecosystem, acting as its gravitational center.
L2s come in a variety of forms, establishing distinct relationships with L1 based on their specific requirements. Those seeking tight integration with L1 should aim for synchronous composability, full interoperability, shared liquidity, and native Rollup mechanisms. L2s with diverse business models or technical expertise play critical roles in the ecosystem, each bringing specialized capabilities beyond what L1 can offer.
The Ethereum Foundation is committed to developing foundational technologies that enable L2s to seamlessly extend L1-native properties and securely bridge cross-layer and cross-chain liquidity and assets. Transparency is key, with both EF and L2s expected to operate openly and disclose security properties and verification standards. In essence, both sides play crucial roles and must deliver on their promises.
Over the past five years, a robust L2 ecosystem has blossomed around Ethereum’s L1, featuring a range of chains with varying degrees of integration. It’s time for the Ethereum Foundation and the broader Ethereum ecosystem to update their understanding of the relationship between L1 and L2 networks. The last significant update occurred around five years ago with the introduction of the rollup-centric roadmap for Ethereum’s scaling journey.
Today, significant advances in technologies enabling L2s to share Ethereum’s security and liquidity have paved the way for heightened L2 differentiation and user value. L2s have matured and developed independent communities and ecosystems, while Ethereum’s L1 scaling roadmap has also evolved. Acknowledging these shifts and reflecting on past successes and failures is crucial for the Ethereum ecosystem’s continued growth and success.
Looking ahead, a thriving Ethereum ecosystem hinges on a robust L1 foundation that scales while maintaining top-tier security and decentralization, serving as the core of the on-chain economy. The future will see a diverse array of independent yet interoperable L2 chains offering customized services and functionalities that go beyond what L1 can provide alone. Ultimately, L1 and L2 must collaborate to deliver specialized blockspace, services, and assets, driving the Ethereum ecosystem forward in a symbiotic relationship.
