At the recent Web3 Scholar Summit 2025 held in Hong Kong, Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin highlighted the pressing need for optimized withdrawal processes for layer-2 networks, specifically referencing the OP and ARB tokens, which currently take up to a week for withdrawal confirmations. Although there is an option for users to utilize an instant bridge, Buterin noted that this method is prohibitively expensive. He emphasized the importance of reducing layer-2 confirmation times to foster a more cohesive and integrated Ethereum ecosystem.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Buterin proposed a multi-faceted approach. This includes the implementation of a ZK+TEE+OP model following a “pick two out of three” design during a 30-day upgrade period. Further, he advocated for the integration of L1SLOAD, allowing layer-2 solutions to read layer-1 opcodes efficiently. Another key recommendation was the aggregation of proofs, enabling validators to submit confirmations collectively rather than individually. Ultimately, Buterin’s vision aims for seamless, synchronous communication between layer-1 and layer-2 networks within a targeted timeframe of just 12 seconds.