Ethereum roadmap sets L1 as DeFi settlement layer and urges L2s to pursue customization and tougher security

The Ethereum Foundation framed Layer 1 (L1) as the network’s secure, resilient settlement layer and primary hub for DeFi, emphasizing its continued role even as the stack scales significantly ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

Layer 2 (L2) networks were cast as the engines of customization and growth: the Foundation said L2s should prioritize differentiation and tailor features to users rather than treat scaling alone as their primary objective ^{[1] [2]}.

The roadmap also called for clearer security baselines across L2s, urging projects to meet Stage 1 security requirements and pushing for stronger Stage 2 protections to reduce fragmentation and improve cross-layer interoperability ^{[2] [4] [3]}.

Taken together, the Foundation’s guidance seeks to preserve L1’s role as a settlement and DeFi anchor while directing L2s toward differentiated offerings and higher security standards to support a more diverse Ethereum ecosystem ^{[1] [2] [4]}.