Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has called for a renewed commitment to the blockchain”s core mission as the industry transitions into 2026. In a recent social media post, Buterin highlighted the significant technical achievements made by Ethereum throughout 2025, including advancements in gas limits, blob counts, and the performance of zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines (zkEVM).
As Ethereum moves forward, Buterin cautioned against the temptation to chase fleeting trends, urging the community instead to focus on building decentralized infrastructure that supports genuine applications. He articulated that the network must enhance both its blockchain layer and application layer to align with its vision of becoming a “world computer” that fosters a free and open internet.
Technical Progress in 2025
Throughout 2025, Ethereum marked notable progress with expanded gas limits, which allowed for increased transaction capacity per block. The improvements in blob counts were integral to the network”s data availability enhancements, building upon previous upgrades to boost throughput while maintaining security.
In addition, the quality of node software improved significantly. Enhanced client implementations and reduced resource requirements made it easier for users to operate nodes. The breakthroughs achieved with zkEVMs have created pathways for efficient privacy and scaling solutions, a feat that Buterin described as Ethereum”s “largest step” towards transforming into a fundamentally different blockchain.
The introduction of PeerDAS, or Peer Data Availability Sampling, has further distributed data verification among network participants, complementing the capabilities offered by zkEVM technology. This combination opens up new possibilities for the development of decentralized applications.
Maintaining Decentralization Focus
Despite these advancements, Buterin stressed that the Ethereum community must not become complacent. He warned against the practice of pursuing the latest trends or artificially filling block space, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a commitment to building infrastructure that truly supports decentralized applications.
Buterin reiterated that the ultimate goal is to create applications that can endure without reliance on the original developers, a concept he referred to as passing the “walkaway test.” He highlighted the need for applications to remain stable even amidst changes in ownership or external pressures, ensuring user privacy and resilience against potential disruptions.
To achieve these ambitious goals, continuous progress on both the blockchain and application layers is essential. Buterin acknowledged that while improvements are in progress, the pace of development must accelerate to meet the expansive vision that extends beyond financial applications to include identity systems and governance frameworks.
As Ethereum enters 2026, the call to action from Buterin serves as a reminder to the community of its foundational principles and the ongoing commitment required to actualize its long-term mission, which transcends short-lived market narratives.
