ERC-7683: The Standard for a Unified Ethereum

This is why we at Across, alongside Uniswap Labs, have proposed ERC-7683, a standard that allows Web3 apps to express complex multi-step crosschain transactions

The Ethereum ecosystem is facing a new challenge: fragmentation. With over 50 L2s and more in development, Ethereum has become a maze of isolated chains. This is more than a minor inconvenience – it’s becoming an existential threat to Ethereum’s future.

To address this challenge, we at Across, together with Uniswap Labs, have proposed ERC-7683, a standard that allows Web3 apps to express complex multi-step crosschain transactions as a single user request that is executed by a shared network of relayers. By standardizing how these requests are expressed, ERC-7683 enables any cross-chain action in the Ethereum ecosystem – irrespective of origin or destination chain – to feel as seamless as operating on a single chain.

The standard has undergone multiple rounds of community feedback and is broadly supported by over 50 protocols, including major projects like Arbitrum, Base, and Optimism and the Ethereum Foundation's L2 Interop working group.

At its core, ERC-7683 simplifies cross-chain operations. Instead of manually managing network switches and bridges, users express what they want to achieve. For example, swapping tokens on Base using funds from Arbitrum becomes a one-click process. Behind the scenes, a network of competitive solvers races to fulfill these intents within seconds, handling all the complexity.

This intents-based architecture separates the user’s desired outcome from the mechanical execution, eliminating the need for users to understand or interact with bridges. The result is a “home base” experience, where users can interact with the entire Ethereum ecosystem as if it were one chain.

Some argue that users don't care about cross-chain – they just want things to work. They're absolutely right. This is precisely where ERC-7683 comes into play. It enables developers to abstract away all the chain complexity while still leveraging the scale and efficiency of a multi-chain ecosystem. Users benefit from the best of both worlds: the simplicity of one chain with the power of many.

ERC-7683 is not theoretical, it is already being used in production through Across' implementation, which has processed over $18B in cross-chain volume. The standard builds upon years of development of Across' solver network, extending it into an open and flexible framework that others can build upon.

A Vision for 2025: One Ethereum

Imagine Ethereum in 2025: Users open their wallets and see all their assets across every chain in one view. They interact with any application on any L2 without ever thinking about bridging or network switching. Developers build applications once and seamlessly reach users everywhere. Liquidity flows freely across the ecosystem, maximizing capital efficiency and minimizing costs.

This isn't just a dream – it's becoming reality. ERC-7683 delivers the two-second cross-chain execution speeds needed for seamless experiences. And by standardizing cross-chain interactions, it enables a new generation of applications that treat the entire Ethereum ecosystem as their canvas.

Beyond Technology: The Path to Mass Adoption

While ERC-7683 is a technical standard, its implications extend beyond technology. By resolving fragmentation, it addresses one of the most significant barriers to mainstream adoption. DeFi becomes more accessible when users no longer need to navigate L2s and bridges. Liquidity improves as assets move seamlessly across marketplaces. Governance participation becomes more inclusive as users can vote from any network.

This unified experience positions Ethereum to continue to lead as the pioneer Web3 protocol. While other chains optimize for speed within a single network, Ethereum is building a unified ecosystem that combines the benefits of specialized L2s with the simplicity of a single chain.

The Time to Act is Now

ERC-7683 has gained broad support from over 45 teams, reflecting the Ethereum community's readiness to address fragmentation. Unified standards, shared infrastructure, and collaboration are crucial to overcoming these challenges.

With fast L2s, account abstraction, and intent-based bridging already in place, ERC-7683 integrates these innovations into a cohesive standard, setting the stage for Ethereum’s next chapter.

Fragmentation cannot be allowed to hinder Ethereum’s progress. Adopting ERC-7683 is essential for building a unified, accessible ecosystem. L2s, developers, and the broader community are encouraged to embrace this standard to unlock Ethereum's full potential as a scalable and seamless system by 2025.

Let's make it happen.