Ethereum Institutional signals support for Ethlabs’ motion to reduce Ethereum block times

Non-profit organization Ethereum Institutional has voiced official support for Ethlabs' initiative to reduce Ethereum's block times, aiming to address intensifying competition from rival networks and accommodate rising institutional activity moving onchain. The proposed improvement proposal, EIP-8198 (dubbed "Quick Slots"), seeks to initially reduce Ethereum block times from 12 seconds down to 10 seconds. Ethlabs reported backing from 20 decentralized finance (DeFi) founders who support the initiative to enhance network speed. The push reflects broader industry efforts to optimize blockchain throughput and transaction latency, with competitors like Solana reducing slot times toward a 200-millisecond target and Zcash cutting block times from 75 to 25 seconds. EIP-8198 was proposed for inclusion in Ethereum's Hegotá upgrade, scheduled for late 2026 following the Glamsterdam upgrade. If implemented, the upgrade will improve transaction finality and mainnet responsiveness, bolstering Ethereum's competitive edge for institutional and decentralized finance applications.