Ethereum Developers Propose 50% Block Slot Time Cut for Faster Transactions

Ethereum’s core developers are advocating for a significant technical change that could enhance the network's transaction processing speed. On June 21, Barnabé Monnot, a key contributor to Ethereum, introduced a new proposal, EIP-7782, which aims to reduce the block slot time from 12 seconds to 6 seconds. Monnot emphasized that shorter slot times would make Ethereum a more efficient confirmation engine, benefiting applications and rollups settling on Ethereum Layer 1. This change is expected to improve confirmation speed, lower trading costs on decentralized platforms, and create better conditions for cross-chain protocols.

The proposal also includes adjustments to the timing of several core blockchain operations. Under EIP-7782, the block proposal slot would be reduced from 4 seconds to 3 seconds. Attestations and aggregations would be expedited, cut from 4 seconds to 1.5 seconds each. Monnot suggested that this EIP should be a highlight of Ethereum’s upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade, stating that it would progress the conversation towards implementing shorter slot times. This push aligns with the Ethereum Foundation’s broader goal of enhancing the network’s Layer 1 performance and refining user experience.

Storm Slivkoff, a research partner at Paradigm, supports the proposal, noting that reducing latency could be the most valuable upgrade included in Glamsterdam, especially as transaction fees drop below $0.10. In such an environment, increasing block size yields diminishing returns, making it more critical to improve block quality. The proposal comes as Ethereum’s activity reaches new highs amid rising institutional adoption. According to GrowThePie data, more than 20 million active addresses interacted with the network last week, setting a record. However, most of that activity occurred on layer-2 networks, such as the Coinbase-backed Base.

As Ethereum’s Layer-1 developers propose making the core network faster and more efficient, the proposed slot time cut could improve performance where speed, cost, and usability matter most. This change is part of a broader effort to enhance Ethereum’s ecosystem, making it more attractive for institutional adoption and everyday use. The success of this proposal could significantly impact the network's efficiency and user experience, aligning with the Ethereum Foundation’s goals for the future.