Following a meeting of Ethereum network researchers in Berlin, Vitalik Buterin outlined key development directions under the new Lean Ethereum concept. This is not about a single hard fork, but a series of fundamental changes to be implemented over the next three to four years. Buterin called this phase the "third major iteration of Ethereum" after The Merge.
Five Pillars of the New Architecture
The new architecture will affect virtually all core protocol components. Specifically, the network will transition to block verification using recursive STARK proofs, replace cryptographic algorithms vulnerable to quantum computers, update the consensus mechanism, introduce a multidimensional gas fee model, and overhaul the client architecture as well as the network's state storage system.
Quantum Resistance Takes Center Stage
One of the most significant changes is the increased priority of quantum resistance. While protection against potential quantum computer attacks was previously considered a long-term goal, it has now become a key development focus. In particular, work on quantum-resistant cryptography and a new BLOB data format will accelerate. This is a timely step, given the rapid progress in quantum computing and the potential threat to all existing blockchains.
Privacy as a Fundamental Principle
Privacy is no longer seen as an add-on feature. It is now considered in the design of all new network components—from the mempool to data storage mechanisms. Developers also intend to expand the use of formal verification to enhance protocol security and simplify the verification of its components.
Data Storage Revolution
Buterin called the update to the data storage model the most radical change. Instead of further scaling the existing network state, developers propose preserving it for complex applications while simultaneously adding new, more scalable storage types for tokens, NFTs, and most DeFi applications. According to Buterin's estimate, by 2030, Ethereum will be able to simultaneously support approximately 2 TB of traditional state and up to 100 TB of the new, optimized format. This solution could fundamentally change the economics of data storage on the network.
New Virtual Machine and Gradual Scaling
The team is considering a gradual transition to a new virtual machine. In the long term, the protocol may move away from direct reliance on the EVM in favor of RISC-V or leanISA architectures, maintaining compatibility with existing applications through a compilation layer. Buterin also stated that in the coming years, the network will continue to gradually increase the gas limit, BLOB data volume, and reduce the time between slots. Each such change will be implemented only after security is confirmed through client software optimization and protocol updates.
My analysis: The Lean Ethereum concept is not just another upgrade, but a fundamental restructuring of the network. The emphasis on quantum resistance and privacy reflects the maturity of a team looking decades ahead. The approach to data storage is particularly interesting: splitting state into "heavy" and "light" could be key to solving the scaling problem without compromising decentralization. The coming years will bring a period of intense changes, and investors should closely monitor the progress of these initiatives.