Analyzing the latest statements from key Ethereum developers, I conclude that we are on the verge of a fundamental restructuring of the network. This is not about another hard fork, but about a series of deep changes that will be implemented over the next three to four years. This is, without exaggeration, the third major iteration of Ethereum since the transition to Proof-of-Stake as part of The Merge.

The new architecture, outlined within the concept of Lean Ethereum, will affect almost every layer of the protocol. Key areas include:

  • Quantum resilience. If previously this was considered a long-term prospect, now protection against attacks from quantum computers has taken center stage. Developers will accelerate the implementation of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and a new BLOB data format.
  • Privacy. Transaction confidentiality is no longer an optional upgrade. It is being integrated into all network components — from the mempool to data storage mechanisms. This is a significant shift in the network's philosophy.
  • Scaling and storage. Instead of endlessly expanding the current Ethereum state, a hybrid approach is proposed. Complex applications will use traditional storage, while new, much more scalable types will emerge for tokens, NFTs, and DeFi protocols. Estimates suggest that by 2030, the network will be able to support up to 2 TB of "old" state and up to 100 TB of new state.
  • New virtual machine. A gradual departure from full reliance on the EVM in favor of RISC-V or leanISA architectures is being considered. Compatibility with existing contracts will be preserved through a compilation layer.

In addition, the network will transition to block verification using recursive STARK proofs, update the consensus mechanism, and implement a multidimensional gas fee model. Each change, whether increasing the gas limit or reducing the time between slots, will be implemented only after thorough security checks.

My analysis: This plan is the most ambitious since the launch of the Beacon Chain. If Ethereum successfully implements the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography and embeds privacy at the protocol level, it will not only solve a critical security problem but also radically expand the network's capabilities for institutional users. However, the complexity of these changes is colossal, and the risks of delays or technical failures remain high. The market should closely monitor progress in these areas.