Ethereum developers are outlining plans for the network’s next major protocol upgrade, known as Glamsterdam, with a provisional rollout targeted for the first half of 2026.
The upgrade follows the Fusaka hard fork completed in December 2025 and represents the next phase in Ethereum’s long-term technical roadmap.
Developers describe Glamsterdam as a coordinated upgrade combining execution-layer and consensus-layer changes rather than a narrow technical patch.
The name Glamsterdam blends “Amsterdam,” which refers to execution-layer updates, with “Gloas,” a working label for consensus-layer development.
At the centre of the proposal is a renewed focus on addressing Maximal Extractable Value, or MEV, within the Ethereum ecosystem.
MEV allows block producers or builders to reorder or filter transactions for profit, often increasing costs and unpredictability for users.
While MEV has grown into a multibillion-dollar segment of Ethereum’s economy, it has raised persistent concerns around fairness and centralisation.
One of the most significant proposals under discussion is enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation, commonly referred to as ePBS.
ePBS would embed the separation of block proposers and block builders directly into the Ethereum protocol.
Developers say this change could reduce reliance on off-chain relays and limit the dominance of a small group of specialised builders.
The goal of ePBS is to make block construction more transparent and predictable at the protocol level.
Another feature expected to be considered is Block-level Access Lists, also known as BALs.
BALs would allow blocks to declare in advance which parts of the Ethereum state they intend to access.
This approach could improve execution efficiency and reduce hardware requirements for validators.
Developers believe BALs may also help stabilise gas costs for decentralised application builders.
Glamsterdam builds on the scaling groundwork laid by the Fusaka upgrade.
Fusaka expanded blob capacity for rollups and lowered the cost of running Ethereum nodes.
In contrast, Glamsterdam shifts focus towards efficiency, validator dynamics and incentive design.
The final scope of the upgrade remains under discussion among Ethereum core developers.
Several Ethereum Improvement Proposals are still being evaluated for inclusion.
Testing, audits and risk management are expected to shape the final timeline.
Public testnets are anticipated in early 2026 ahead of a potential mainnet launch.
Developers say flexibility remains essential to ensure network stability.
If implemented as planned, Glamsterdam could reshape how value flows through Ethereum.
Supporters argue the upgrade could improve conditions for users, builders and solo validators alike.
At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $3,025.32.