A Deep Dive Into Ethereum’s Glamsterdam Upgrade and Its Fairness Goals

Ethereum developers are already looking ahead after the recent Fusaka upgrade successfully reduced node operating costs.

The next major milestone on the roadmap is Glamsterdam, a planned protocol upgrade that aims to improve fairness, efficiency, and transparency across the network.

Rather than a single change, Glamsterdam combines updates on Ethereum execution and consensus layers.

At its core, the upgrade focuses on addressing long standing concerns around MEV and how blocks are built and proposed.

While still in the planning stage, Glamsterdam signals a clear direction for Ethereum future as developers target a rollout sometime in 2026.

If you are interested in crypto trading, explore Bitrue and enhance your experience. Bitrue is dedicated to providing safe, convenient, and diversified services to meet all crypto needs, including trading, investing, purchasing, staking, borrowing, and more.

Key Takeaways

1. Glamsterdam is a combined upgrade affecting Ethereum execution and consensus layers.

2. The proposal targets MEV fairness through protocol level block separation rules.

3. Developers are aiming for a 2026 rollout with scope still under discussion.

What Is the Glamsterdam Upgrade?

Glamsterdam is the name given to two coordinated upgrades happening at the same time on Ethereum core layers.

The execution layer upgrade is called Amsterdam, while the consensus layer upgrade is known as Gloas.

Together, they aim to improve how transactions are processed, ordered, and finalized on the network.

Why Two Layers Matter

Ethereum is designed with clear separation between layers.

• The execution layer handles transactions and smart contracts

• The consensus layer manages validators and block finality

By upgrading both layers together, developers can introduce deeper changes without disrupting network stability.

Glamsterdam follows this approach by pairing changes that reinforce each other rather than working in isolation.

The upgrade comes shortly after Fusaka, which focused on efficiency for node operators. Glamsterdam builds on that foundation by shifting attention to fairness and predictability, especially around how blocks are assembled and who controls transaction ordering.

Read Also: Ethereum Trust Test: Vitalik Flags Protocol Issues as Whale Shifts $1.8B

How Glamsterdam Addresses MEV Fairness

One of the most important elements of Glamsterdam is enshrined Proposer Builder Separation, tracked as EIP 7732. This proposal changes how blocks are created and selected at the protocol level.

Understanding ePBS

Today, block building and proposing often rely on external relay systems. While effective, these systems introduce trust assumptions and potential centralization risks. ePBS moves this process directly into Ethereum core rules.

Under ePBS:

• Builders create blocks and cryptographically seal transactions

• Proposers select blocks based on value without seeing contents

• Transactions are revealed only after block finalization

This design limits opportunities for transaction manipulation, censorship, or reordering. By reducing MEV related advantages, Ethereum aims to create a more level playing field for users and validators alike.

Rather than eliminating MEV entirely, the goal is to reduce harmful behavior while keeping the system efficient and competitive.

Read Also: Why Investors Are Shifting from Bitcoin and Ethereum to XRP: CNBC Explains

Performance Improvements Through Block Access Lists

Another proposal expected in Glamsterdam is Block level Access Lists, tracked as EIP 7928. While less visible to users, this change plays a major role in performance and scalability.

Why Access Lists Matter

Block level Access Lists allow a block to declare in advance which accounts and contract data it will access. This helps Ethereum clients prepare data before execution begins.

Key benefits include:

• Faster and more predictable block execution

• Improved data reuse across transactions

• Smoother gas cost behavior over time

By improving how data is handled internally, Ethereum lays the groundwork for future scaling improvements.

These under the hood changes may not grab headlines, but they are essential for long term network health.

Developers are still reviewing which additional proposals will be included before finalizing Glamsterdam full scope.

Read Also: Best Ethereum Faucets in 2025: Top Sites to Earn Free ETH

Conclusion

Ethereum Glamsterdam upgrade represents a thoughtful step forward rather than a dramatic overhaul.

By focusing on fairness, efficiency, and protocol level improvements, developers are addressing structural issues that have shaped user experience for years.

The introduction of ePBS and Block level Access Lists shows a commitment to reducing unnecessary trust assumptions while improving performance across the network.

As Ethereum continues evolving toward 2026, traders and investors will need reliable platforms to navigate these changes.

Bitrue offers an easier and safer way to trade Ethereum and other major digital assets with strong liquidity and security features.

Whether you are holding long term or actively trading, Bitrue provides a stable environment to stay connected to Ethereum growing ecosystem.

FAQ

What is the Ethereum Glamsterdam upgrade?

Glamsterdam is a planned Ethereum upgrade combining changes to the execution and consensus layers focused on fairness and efficiency.

When is Glamsterdam expected to launch?

Developers are targeting a rollout sometime in 2026, though the final scope is still being decided.

How does Glamsterdam improve MEV fairness?

It introduces enshrined Proposer Builder Separation, which limits transaction manipulation by separating block building and proposing roles.

What are Block level Access Lists?

They allow blocks to declare required data in advance, helping Ethereum clients execute blocks faster and more predictably.

Will Glamsterdam affect Ethereum users directly?

Most changes happen behind the scenes, but users may benefit from fairer transaction ordering and smoother network performance.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.