Key facts
- GnosisDAO voted to transition Gnosis Chain from a layer-1 network to an Ethereum Economic Zone (EEZ) rollup.
- The transition will enable Gnosis Chain to settle transactions directly on Ethereum, functioning as a layer-2 solution.
- The EEZ framework aims to improve interoperability and reduce fragmentation across Ethereum's layer-2 ecosystem.
- Gnosis Chain is slated to become the first production instance of the EEZ, with a target launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
- This upgrade will allow Gnosis Chain smart contracts to access Ethereum mainnet assets and liquidity synchronously.
GnosisDAO has voted to approve the transition of Gnosis Chain from a standalone layer-1 network to a ZK-proven Ethereum Economic Zone (EEZ) rollup. The decision, passed with significant support from GNO token holders, signifies a major shift in Gnosis Chain's architecture, moving it towards greater integration with the Ethereum mainnet.
Under the approved proposal, Gnosis Chain's independent validator set will be retired, and the network will leverage Ethereum's validators for transaction settlement, effectively becoming a layer-2 solution. This move is intended to enhance the composability and usability of assets within the Ethereum ecosystem. The EEZ framework, co-developed by Gnosis and ZisK with funding from the Ethereum Foundation, aims to unify the fragmented layer-2 landscape by enabling synchronous execution of smart contracts across different rollups without relying on traditional bridges.
Gnosis Chain is slated to be the first production instance of this EEZ framework, with an initial launch targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, contingent on the readiness of the necessary EEZ technology. This upgrade promises to allow Gnosis Chain-native smart contracts to interact with Ethereum mainnet assets and liquidity within the same transaction, a capability that the proposal suggests is not currently available on existing L2s. This enhanced interoperability could lead to greater activity and efficiency within the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has previously expressed concerns regarding the centralization and security of some L2 networks, particularly highlighting issues with sequencers and bridging mechanisms. The EEZ approach, by reducing the need for vulnerable bridges, could address some of these concerns. Geoffrey Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, noted that the EEZ's ability to reduce bridge reliance and increase asset usability could foster greater activity within Ethereum.