Vitalik Buterin's recent proposal to replace the Ethereum Virtual Machine has raised significant interest in the community, highlighting concerns about the platform's future.
Ethereum's Challenges and the Need for Change
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has proposed replacing the existing EVM contract language with the RISC-V instruction set architecture in April 2025. This proposal aims to address several issues facing Ethereum, including improving availability and enhancing competition among block producers.
Economic Pressure on Ethereum
Ethereum is experiencing economic pressure due to declining transaction fees, which averaged around $0.16 in April 2025 — the lowest level in years. Blob fees have also plummeted by 95% since mid-March. These changes are driven by user migration to cheaper and faster layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism.
Reaction of the Ethereum Community to the RISC-V Proposal
The Ethereum community is divided regarding the proposed shift to RISC-V. Many developers view this as a bold step necessary to enhance competitiveness with other blockchains. However, there are significant concerns regarding the risks associated with redesigning the architecture, including compatibility issues with existing smart contracts.
Vitalik Buterin's proposal to transition to RISC-V could mark an important step for Ethereum in maintaining relevance and competitiveness amid increasing market competition.
