The Ethereum ecosystem is entering a new era. Following a closed meeting of network researchers in Berlin, Vitalik Buterin introduced the concept of Lean Ethereum — the third major iteration of the protocol after The Merge. This is not a one-time hard fork, but a series of fundamental changes that will be implemented over the next three to four years.
Quantum threat becomes priority number one
The most significant shift in the roadmap is the elevation of quantum resistance status. While protection against quantum computer attacks was previously considered a distant task, it is now being brought to the forefront. Developers will accelerate the adoption of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and a new BLOB data format. This is a direct response to the growing risks that quantum computing poses to the current digital signature infrastructure.
Privacy as a core principle, not an option
Buterin emphasized that privacy is no longer an additional feature. From now on, it is embedded in the architecture of every network component — from the mempool to storage mechanisms. At the same time, the use of formal verification will be expanded, enhancing protocol security and simplifying code auditing.
Radical restructuring of data storage
The most ambitious change concerns the storage model. Instead of endlessly scaling a single network "state," developers propose a two-tier system. The traditional state will be preserved for complex smart contracts, but for tokens, NFTs, and most DeFi applications, a new, significantly more scalable format will be created. Estimates suggest that by 2030, Ethereum will be able to support approximately 2 TB of traditional state and up to 100 TB of the new optimized storage.
Evolution of the virtual machine and consensus mechanisms
In the long term, the team is considering moving away from direct dependence on the EVM in favor of more flexible architectures, such as RISC-V or leanISA. Compatibility with existing applications will be maintained through a compilation layer. Additionally, the protocol will transition to block verification using recursive STARK proofs, update the consensus mechanism, and introduce a multidimensional fee model (multidimensional gas).
Gradual scaling and security
In the coming years, the gas limit, BLOB data volume, and block speed will increase gradually. Each change will be implemented only after security is confirmed through client software optimization and protocol updates.
My comment: The Lean Ethereum concept is not just a roadmap, but a bid for the network to remain the dominant settlement layer in the post-quantum cryptography era. The transition to a two-tier storage model is particularly important: it will solve the "state bloat" problem that has hindered scaling for years. If the team implements its plans on schedule, Ethereum will receive not just an upgrade, but essentially a new protocol with backward compatibility.