Ethereum Makes Strides Toward Decentralization in 2025
Ethereum, the popular blockchain network, celebrated significant technical progress in 2025, reinforcing its mission to become the world’s decentralized computer. Co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently shared insights into these advancements while emphasizing the need for continuous innovation in both blockchain infrastructure and application development.
Key Technical Milestones
One of Ethereum’s highlights in 2025 was the increase in gas limits, which allows more transactions to be processed per block. Additionally, the network improved its data availability through higher blob counts, boosting scalability and overall throughput without sacrificing security.
Node software quality also saw improvements, with better client implementations and reduced resource requirements making running an Ethereum node more accessible. These upgrades anchored Ethereum’s growing network on stronger fundamentals.
The Breakthrough of Zero-Knowledge EVMs and PeerDAS
A major breakthrough in 2025 was the development of zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines (zkEVMs), unlocking advanced solutions for scalability and privacy. Similarly, Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS) emerged as a transformative tool, enabling decentralized data verification across participants. Combined, zkEVMs and PeerDAS bring Ethereum closer to its vision of becoming the foundation for decentralized applications (dApps).
A Call for Decentralized Infrastructure
Despite these achievements, Buterin warned against chasing fleeting market narratives, such as NFTs or meme coins, while neglecting long-term goals. Instead, Ethereum’s core focus remains on building infrastructure that ensures fraud, censorship, and third-party control are eliminated.
Buterin also emphasized the importance of creating ‘walkaway’ applications, which can function autonomously without reliance on developers or centralized entities. With a commitment to decentralization, Ethereum differentiates itself from traditional services that often tie users into subscriptions and dependencies.
Steps Forward in 2026
As Ethereum enters 2026, the focus shifts to refining blockchain software and advancing the application layer to deliver user-friendly, decentralized services. The vision extends beyond financial tools to include governance, identity systems, and other societal frameworks for a truly empowered and open internet.
Recommended Product: If you’re diving deeper into Ethereum or blockchain technology, consider a trusted cryptocurrency wallet, such as the Ledger Nano X, to secure your digital assets.