Haciyev Reşit 
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, in a message shared as 2026 begins, praised the technical progress made by the Ethereum ecosystem in 2025 and clearly outlined his vision for the year ahead. Emphasizing that there are still areas that require further development, Buterin noted that more work is needed for Ethereum to fully achieve its core goals.
Technical Achievements of 2025 and a Look Toward 2026
Starting his message with the words “Welcome to 2026! Milady is back,” Buterin highlighted the significant progress Ethereum made throughout 2025.
- Increasing gas limits improved transaction capacity.
- Raising the number of blobs enhanced data-processing efficiency.
- The quality of node software was improved, strengthening network stability.
- zkEVMs reached performance targets faster than expected.
According to Buterin, zkEVMs and the PeerDAS technology represent a major step toward transforming Ethereum into a “fundamentally new and stronger blockchain.”
In his message, Buterin stressed that Ethereum’s focus is not on chasing popular tokens or political meme coins. Instead, the real goal is to build a “world computer” that serves as a core piece of infrastructure for a freer and more open internet. Within this vision, applications developed on Ethereum should be able to pass the “walkaway test.” In other words, an application should continue to function even if its original developers disappear, and users should not experience disruptions even if centralized infrastructure services like Cloudflare are taken offline.
Two Critical Areas for Ethereum: Usability and Decentralization
Buterin identified two fundamental priorities for Ethereum’s future success:
- Usability and scalability: Ensuring the network is accessible and efficient for a growing number of users and applications.
- True decentralization: Allowing users to operate independently, without relying on centralized structures.
He emphasized that these goals must be pursued at both the blockchain layer (including node software) and the application layer, adding, “All of these pieces are improving, but more is needed.”
Assessment
Buterin stated that the ecosystem is equipped with powerful tools and that these will be implemented more decisively in 2026. He concluded his message with the following words:
“Wishing everyone an exciting 2026.”
In 2026, the Ethereum ecosystem aims to make progress in usability, scalability, and decentralization to build a more robust blockchain infrastructure. This vision supports Ethereum’s long-term positioning as one of the foundational building blocks of the internet and global financial systems.
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