The Ethereum Foundation has announced its 2026 protocol priorities: faster transactions, smart wallets, advanced cross-chain transactions, and quantum security measures are targeted. Scaling the gas limit beyond 100 million has been highlighted as the focus of community discussions.
Ethereum Foundation’s 2026 Protocol Priorities
The Foundation is prioritizing the Glamsterdam network upgrade in the first half of 2026, while highlighting “post-quantum readiness” under the trillion-dollar security initiative. Ethereum researcher Justin Drake announced the establishment of the new Post-Quantum team and stated that it is a turning point in the foundation’s long-term quantum strategy. These steps will safeguard ETH’s future against quantum computer threats.
Fast L1 Confirmations on ETH with the Glamsterdam Upgrade
Glamsterdam will transform the user experience by providing faster L1 confirmations and short L2 settlement times. Native account abstraction emphasizes smart wallets and cross-chain compatibility, making cross-chain transactions seamless. Follow updates for detailed ETH analysis.
ETH’s New Team in Post-Quantum Security
Justin Drake’s announcement will transition the ETH ecosystem to quantum-resistant algorithms compliant with NIST standards. This will replace the current ECDSA encryption with post-quantum alternatives; for example, integration of lattice-based cryptography is expected. In the long term, it is critical for ETH staking and smart contracts.
2025 Achievements: Pectra, Fusaka, and Gas Limit Increase
The Foundation described 2025 as an efficient year; with the Pectra and Fusaka updates, the gas limit was raised from 30 million to 60 million, the first increase since 2021. 2026 target 100 million+: This could explode ETH futures volume on L2s by increasing blob throughput. Vitalik Buterin shared his vision of the intersection between ETH and artificial intelligence.
ETH Price Analysis: Current Technical Indicators
As of February 19, 2026, ETH price is 1.980,09 USD, down -1,24% in 24h. RSI 34,54 (Oversold), downtrend dominant. Support and resistance levels:
| Level | Price (USD) | Score | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | 1.956,46 | 81/100 ⭐ Strong | -0,85% |
| S2 | 1.747,80 | 66/100 ⭐ Strong | -11,42% |
| R1 | 1.999,83 | 67/100 ⭐ Strong | +1,35% |
| R2 | 2.141,64 | 56/100 Medium | +8,53% |
EMA 20: 2.159,93. Glamsterdam rally could test R1.
Impact of BlackRock Staked ETH ETF on the ETH Ecosystem
BlackRock’s new staked ETH ETF application plans to take 18% of staking fees. This will accelerate institutional inflows while locking up ETH supply; it could support the price. Peter Thiel’s split from ETHZilla highlights the tokenized assets trend. GAS and ALT coins will also be affected.
Source: Ethereum Foundation
Source: https://en.coinotag.com/ethereum-2026-plans-speed-security-and-scaling