Ethereum Foundation Plans Smaller Role
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin says the Ethereum Foundation will become a “smaller and more focused” organization. The shift comes as the group plans to reduce spending, sell less ETH, and give more room to the wider Ethereum community.
Buterin said the Foundation should not act like the main boss of Ethereum. Instead, it should work as one contributor among many. This approach supports Ethereum’s long-term focus on decentralization, privacy, and censorship resistance.
Why the Change Matters
The comments arrive during a heated period for Ethereum. Over the past year, some developers and community members criticized the Foundation for slow decisions and unclear direction. Concerns grew after several well-known researchers reduced their roles or left the ecosystem.
Buterin pushed back by explaining that the Foundation’s early mission has mostly been completed. Ethereum has already moved to proof-of-stake and completed several major upgrades. Therefore, the EF now wants to focus on long-term strength instead of trying to manage every part of the network.
Key changes may include:
- Lower treasury spending
- Fewer ETH sales
- More decentralized decision-making
- A sharper focus on core Ethereum values
Buterin also noted that the Ethereum Foundation holds only about 0.16% of the total ETH supply. He compared this with other blockchain projects, where foundations often control much larger token reserves.
Ethereum Sticks to Decentralization
The move highlights a bigger debate inside Ethereum. Some supporters want Ethereum to stay close to its cypherpunk roots, with privacy and decentralization at the center. However, others want faster growth and stronger institutional adoption.
Buterin made it clear that Ethereum will not simply chase faster blockchains on transaction speed. Instead, the network will focus on security, open infrastructure, and advanced research.
Supporters believe a smaller Foundation could make Ethereum more resilient. Critics argue it may make coordination harder as competition grows. Still, Buterin’s message is clear: Ethereum wants to rely less on one organization and more on its global community.
