Gnosis and Zisk, with support from the Ethereum Foundation (EF), have developed a framework aimed at unifying the fragmented ecosystem of Layer 2 networks. This initiative is called the Ethereum Economic Zone (EEZ).

Welcome to the Ethereum Economic Zone (EEZ), a framework for synchronously composable rollups.

What does that mean?

One deployment. Shared liquidity. Single transactions across L1 & L2. Identity verified anywhere. Smart wallets connected everywhere. No additional trust… https://t.co/Fuf8G0xwA4 pic.twitter.com/KeMLIisN8S

— The Ethereum Economic Zone (@etheconomiczone) March 29, 2026

This project will allow applications to share infrastructure among rollups while keeping computations on the Ethereum base layer. This will reduce service duplication and the need for cross-chain transfers, simplifying interactions between ecosystems. By default, EEZ will use ETH for gas payments.

The proposal addresses a key dilemma in the scaling strategy for the second-largest cryptocurrency. While dozens of L2 solutions have increased throughput, they have simultaneously fragmented liquidity, infrastructure, and user activity across isolated environments.

Alongside EEZ, an informal coalition called the EEZ Alliance will be formed to coordinate standards and support implementation. Founding members include Aave, block builders Titan and Beaver Build, the RWA platform Centrifuge, and the tokenized equity project xStocks.

The "Economic Zone" will be registered as a Swiss non-profit organization, and all software will be released as open source. Technical specifications and performance metrics are expected in the coming weeks.

Part of the Strategy

The Ethereum Foundation has agreed to co-finance EEZ, a notable decision amid the transition to a more frugal model. The foundation paused its grant program in mid-2025, aiming to keep annual spending at 5%.

Shortly after, the organization shared an updated plan with a "proactive approach." Leadership identified scaling the main network and L2 interoperability as priorities—EEZ aligns with this focus.

In February 2026, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin stated that the original concept of Layer 2 solutions has become outdated. He proposed a new model for ecosystem development.

Later, the EF presented its vision for the roles of the base layer and rollups. Developers also emphasized differentiation, stating that L2 solutions should offer unique features.

Active Staking

Meanwhile, the Ethereum Foundation continues to stake more ETH. On March 30, the organization locked 22,517 coins worth $46.2 million, according to Arkham specialists.

THE ETHEREUM FOUNDATION IS STAKING ETH

The Ethereum Foundation just staked $46.2M of ETH. This is more ETH than they have EVER staked before. pic.twitter.com/gCCc0qK6VN

— Arkham (@arkham) March 30, 2026

Plans for this initiative emerged in late February, when the EF emphasized that it would initially lock a total of 70,000 ETH. All earnings will be directed towards supporting the ecosystem.

As of the time of writing, the foundation manages 147,471 ETH worth $301 million.

Source: Arkham.

As a reminder, in March, the Ethereum Foundation unveiled a roadmap for protecting the network from quantum computers.