Relay_Station / Zone_39
TECH
13.05.2026
Ethereum Foundation Advances Glamsterdam Core Protocol Upgrade
The Glamsterdam upgrade is designed to introduce major Layer 1 improvements, specifically targeting increased transaction throughput, optimized Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) handling, and enhanced block efficiency. Central to these architectural changes is the implementation of Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS). This mechanism aims to refine the process by which validators construct and propose blocks, allowing for a more secure and efficient outsourcing of block construction. By doing so, ePBS directly addresses issues related to MEV, which has long been a complex challenge within the Ethereum ecosystem, aiming to distribute value more equitably and reduce opportunities for predatory practices.
Further technical enhancements within Glamsterdam include the introduction of Block-Level Access Lists (BALs). These lists necessitate more advanced state access declarations during block execution, contributing to a more predictable and streamlined processing environment. The cumulative effect of these protocol-level changes is a concerted effort to significantly increase the network’s gas throughput, with developers targeting a 200 million gas floor on Ethereum’s base layer. This ambitious goal underscores a commitment to scaling Ethereum's foundational capabilities, moving beyond solely relying on Layer 2 solutions for efficiency gains.
The progress on Glamsterdam comes alongside a notable reorganization within the Ethereum Foundation’s Protocol Cluster leadership. Will Corcoran, Kev Wedderburn, and Fredrik Svantes have assumed new leadership roles, taking over responsibilities previously held by departing figures like Monnot and Tim Beiko. Alex Stokes will also be taking a sabbatical. This transition marks the latest phase in a broader restructuring effort over the past year, designed to streamline development efforts across Layer 1 scaling, Layer 2 expansion, and overall user experience improvements. The new leadership team will now directly oversee the continued development and eventual deployment of Glamsterdam, as well as preparations for the subsequent Hegota upgrade.
These developments are not isolated but form part of Ethereum’s long-term roadmap towards a rollup-centric architecture, where the Layer 1 primarily serves as a secure settlement and data availability layer. While Layer 2 solutions continue to absorb the vast majority of transaction activity, achieving efficiencies at the base layer remains critical for the network's long-term health and decentralization. The introduction of blob transactions via EIP-4844 in prior upgrades significantly reduced Layer 2 costs, and Glamsterdam builds on this momentum by tackling Layer 1 bottlenecks directly.
The ongoing commitment to rigorous testing, including multi-client interoperability events, highlights the methodical approach of Ethereum’s core developers. Such events are crucial for ensuring the stability and security of network-wide upgrades before they are released to the broader ecosystem. The Foundation's Protocol Cluster update, released on Monday, May 11, serves as a vital signal for core and application developers, allowing them to anticipate significant changes and plan their development work accordingly, thereby mitigating potential contract impact risks and ensuring a smooth transition for the multitude of decentralized applications relying on Ethereum.
The Glamsterdam upgrade represents a tangible manifestation of Ethereum's continuous evolution, aiming to address inherent scaling limitations while reinforcing its security and decentralization principles. As development progresses, the blockchain community will watch closely for further specifics on implementation timelines and the eventual impact on network performance. The question remains how quickly these Layer 1 improvements will translate into tangible benefits for end-users, beyond the already reduced costs offered by Layer 2s, and what further innovations they will enable at the application layer.
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