ETH Researcher Introduces FOCIL for Fair Transaction Inclusion

Originally deferred from the Glamsterdam upgrade, the proposal is now the headline feature for the Hegota upgrade expected in 2026. Designed by researcher Thomas Thiery, the proposal allows multiple validators to enforce transaction inclusion. This will be via the fork-choice rule.

In practical terms, it guarantees that any protocol-valid transaction is included on-chain within a bounded timeframe. This will reduce the ability of centralized intermediaries to filter or block transactions arbitrarily.

How FOCIL Enhances Fair Access

FOCIL strengthens Ethereum’s censorship resistance while also supporting safe scaling. As the network grows, including higher gas limits and zkEVM adoption, Ethereum increasingly relies on specialized builders and provers. Without safeguards, these actors could selectively exclude public transactions. FOCIL prevents this by decoupling censorship resistance from block production centralization.

A real-world example illustrates the impact: a borrower topping up collateral on a lending protocol can now rely on FOCIL to ensure their transaction is included on time, avoiding liquidation risk, just as institutional traders can trust that competitors cannot delay high-value transactions. Additionally, Layer 2 platforms benefit by shortening withdrawal windows, improving cross-chain interoperability, and lowering costs.

The system works by allowing validators to enforce inclusion deadlines and maintain transaction lists on-chain. While it does not yet support blob transactions or MEV-heavy transactions, it provides a strong foundation for future extensions, such as encrypted mempools. FOCIL adds protocol complexity and uses more bandwidth, but developers consider these trade-offs reasonable given the long-term gains in security and fairness.
Importantly, 8 out of 11 Ethereum clients have already developed FOCIL prototypes, demonstrating readiness for integration into Hegota.

Why FOCIL Matters

The timing of FOCIL is critical. Centralization pressures in the builder market, driven by MEV and private order flow, make Ethereum vulnerable to potential censorship events. FOCIL proactively addresses this risk, ensuring that the protocol itself guarantees fast, reliable transaction inclusion regardless of external pressures.

For validators, it allows participation in maintaining censorship resistance without sacrificing MEV rewards. Everyday users, institutions, and Layer 2 applications alike benefit from predictable, fair access to blockspace, reinforcing Ethereum’s credibility as an open, neutral network.

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