Ethereum Foundation Sets 2026 Protocol Priorities
The Defiant
by DefAIntFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has revealed its 2026 Protocol priorities, focusing on scalability, enhanced user experience, and improved network security. The foundation aims to push gas limits toward and beyond 100 million transactions per block, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency and capacity as the network prepares for upcoming upgrades like Glamsterdam. Additionally, the EF is prioritizing account abstraction and interoperability to streamline processes and strengthen cross-chain interactions. Security remains a top concern, with efforts concentrated on hardening Layer 1 (L1) infrastructure to ensure censorship resistance and network resilience.
The announcement comes during a period of leadership transition at the EF. Co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak has announced his plans to step down by the end of the month, though he will remain actively involved in the Ethereum ecosystem as a developer and advisor. Bastian Aue has taken on interim co-executive director duties, ensuring continuity in guiding the foundation’s strategic initiatives.
This focus on scalability is particularly significant for the Ethereum network, which has faced challenges with high gas fees and congestion in recent years. By aiming to increase transaction throughput, the EF seeks to make the network more accessible to a broader audience, potentially attracting new users and projects. Enhanced user experience will likely involve simplifying wallet interactions and reducing friction in DeFi applications, making it easier for both developers and end-users to engage with the platform.
The emphasis on security aligns with Ethereum’s commitment to maintaining trust and reliability as a decentralized network. Hardening L1 infrastructure will involve improving resistance to attacks, ensuring that the network remains robust against malicious actors. These priorities collectively aim to position Ethereum as a more scalable, user-friendly, and secure platform, which is critical for its long-term growth and adoption in the crypto space.
For readers interested in crypto and DeFi, these developments highlight Ethereum’s strategic focus on addressing key pain points while preparing for future upgrades. The combination of scalability improvements, enhanced security measures, and better user experience positions Ethereum to remain a leading force in the blockchain ecosystem. As the network evolves, these priorities will likely shape its trajectory and impact the broader crypto landscape.
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Originally published on The Defiant on 2/19/2026