TLDR
- Vitalik Buterin urges L2s to rely on Ethereum’s security by focusing only on sequencers and provers.
- Celo’s shift to Ethereum L2 reduced inflation, improved block times, and cut legacy code.
- Ethereum plans to integrate zkEVM, enabling ZK-proof validation to boost efficiency and scalability.
- Buterin says Ethereum L2s can now achieve the trust and efficiency enterprise blockchains failed to deliver in the 2010s.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed that the success of Layer-2 (L2) blockchain networks may depend on a minimalist design that fully leverages Ethereum’s security. His statements follow increased interest from Layer-1 (L1) blockchains in becoming Ethereum L2s, with the recent case of Celo being a major example.
Buterin’s remarks support a shift in direction for blockchain development—one that moves away from building independent L1 chains and toward integrating into Ethereum’s broader ecosystem. He suggests that rather than trying to compete with Ethereum, developers should build on top of it.
Buterin Advocates Minimalist Design for Layer-2 Networks
Vitalik Buterin urged developers to reduce complexity in L2 architecture and rely more on Ethereum’s base layer. He proposed that L2s should focus only on two key components: the sequencer, which determines transaction order, and the prover, which verifies transaction validity through cryptographic proofs.
He wrote, “Reduce your logic to just being a sequencer and a prover (if based, just a prover) over the core execution.” This method avoids rebuilding the functionality Ethereum L1 already offers, including security and data availability.
JUST IN: VITALIK BUTERIN SAYS MINIMALISM IS KEY FOR L2 SUCCESS, LEVERAGE ETHEREUM’S SECURITY INSTEAD OF REBUILDING FROM SCRATCH.
Source: @Cointelegraph https://t.co/J3PiMieenp pic.twitter.com/LGbS37acy1
— Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable (@RoundtableSpace) July 16, 2025
This minimalist design strategy aims to simplify development, reduce vulnerabilities, and save resources. According to Buterin, the structure mirrors what enterprise blockchain efforts in the 2010s attempted to achieve but were unable to fully deliver due to technological limitations at the time.
Shift from Competing to Building on Ethereum
Ethereum Foundation’s Jason Chaskin recently shared his view that most L1 chains will eventually transition to become L2s on Ethereum. He pointed to Celo’s ongoing shift as a practical example. Celo’s change has already reduced its token inflation, shortened block times, and streamlined its network code. It is also working to integrate deeply with Ethereum’s developer ecosystem.
In response, Buterin supported this direction, suggesting that such moves could offer more long-term value than building separate blockchain networks. He noted that building on Ethereum helps new networks benefit from its large developer base and tested infrastructure.
Rather than building isolated platforms, Buterin proposes that developers consider how their ideas can plug into Ethereum’s existing systems. This shift may allow new projects to grow faster while relying on Ethereum’s strengths in security and reliability.
Ethereum’s Security Model as the Foundation for Layer-2 Growth
Vitalik Buterin’s approach centers around Ethereum’s proven security model and data availability. He explained that by keeping L2 networks minimal and rooted in Ethereum, developers can create systems that are both secure and efficient.
He highlighted that Ethereum’s L1 can act as a safeguard for users if anything goes wrong on an L2. For example, in cases of transaction failures or sequencer issues, Ethereum’s base layer can help preserve user rights and restore operations.
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