Ethereum Foundation Redefines the Role of L2 Networks

Ethereum Foundation shifts L2 focus from scaling to unique features.

The non-profit Ethereum Foundation (EF) has unveiled a new perspective on the roles of the base layer and rollups. Developers have shifted the primary focus from scaling to differentiation, as L2 networks should offer unique features. 

1/ How L1 and L2s can build the strongest possible Ethereum

tldr: we should continue to lean into the unique capabilities of each layer, and make sure all users have a clear path to securely and seamlessly benefit from the core properties of Ethereum pic.twitter.com/jUPNscgSix

— joshrudolf.eth (@rudolf6_) March 23, 2026

“Second-layer solutions should offer users what the base layer cannot. This could include specialized applications, non-EVM functions, additional privacy guarantees, ultra-low latency, or unique pricing mechanisms,” the document states. 

The Role of Each Layer 

Ethereum remains the leading programmable blockchain in terms of adoption, developer attention, decentralization, resilience, and reliability, EF noted. The main network has a clear path to scaling through ZK technologies. 

However, this does not mean the need for L2 will diminish. According to the foundation, many L2 networks offer capabilities unavailable on the base layer, such as advanced privacy and ultra-low latency. 

The primary focus of the second layer is now on creating unique features, flexible services, proprietary market strategies, and zones of control, rather than scaling.

“A strong L2 network strengthens the ecosystem and enhances Ethereum’s gravitational pull,” the developers noted.

Depending on needs, second-layer solutions can establish different relationships with L1. Those seeking maximum integration should move towards synchronous composability, interoperability, shared liquidity, full decentralization (Stage 2), and mechanisms like native rollups.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed a similar view earlier. Instead of a single standard, he suggested viewing L2 as a spectrum of possibilities and urged developers not to duplicate L1 functions.

What EF is Doing

The Ethereum Foundation will continue to invest in technologies that enable L2 to seamlessly extend the core properties of L1 and securely access liquidity and capital. Projects, in turn, should maintain transparency and verifiability of their security properties.

The foundation’s areas of focus include:

• scaling L1 and increasing BLOB throughput without compromising decentralization;
• supporting L2s that enhance privacy, security, and trust properties;
• improving liquidity on the base layer and simplifying access to it for the second layer;
• R&D in native rollups, allowing L2 to undergo full and trustless verification on the main network;
• collaborating with L2Beat to monitor and validate security properties.

Fragmentation remains the main challenge, EF stated. The organization intends to work with projects within the ecosystem to improve interoperability, addressing the issue of fragmented user experience and development.

“With a clearer vision of the relationship between L1 and L2, we can begin to address the fragmentation of the Ethereum narrative,” the authors concluded.

Since June 2025, the number of second-layer networks with a TVS exceeding $100,000 has decreased from 108 to 100, considering the launch of new protocols.