Lawrence Jengar
Aug 01, 2026 22:06
Etherlink 7.0 introduces Michelson interface & Native Atomic Composability, setting stage for Tezos X. Governance vote starts August 3.
Tezos has announced Etherlink 7.0, the latest upgrade proposal for its EVM-compatible rollup, Etherlink Mainnet. This update introduces two critical features: the Michelson interface and Native Atomic Composability (NAC), aiming to bridge the gap between Tezos’ native functionality and Ethereum’s ecosystem. The governance vote on the proposal begins August 3, 2026.
The Michelson interface will enable Tezos accounts and smart contracts to operate natively within Etherlink. Previously, Etherlink primarily supported the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) interface, limiting interaction with Tezos-native features. With the new interface, developers gain direct access to Tezos accounts (tz1, tz2, tz3) and Michelson contracts, integrating them into Etherlink’s unified ledger.
Native Atomic Composability (NAC) is another standout feature. It allows seamless, trustless interaction between the EVM and Michelson interfaces. For example, Tezos accounts can now hold Etherlink-native assets, while EVM accounts can call Michelson smart contracts. This cross-interface functionality eliminates the need for bridges, reducing security risks and operational complexity.
Strategic Implications for Tezos X
Etherlink 7.0 lays the groundwork for Tezos X, an upcoming trustless execution environment secured by Tezos’ Layer 1 blockchain. The unified ledger, accessible through both the EVM and Michelson interfaces, is expected to attract developers and liquidity from both ecosystems, enhancing composability and interoperability. Tezos X is scheduled for a full rollout later this year.
The upgrade also introduces enhancements to Etherlink’s EVM interface, including support for triggering script execution on tez deposits and proper gas refunds for precompile contract reverts. These changes bring Etherlink closer to standard EVM semantics, improving developer experience and compatibility.
Context: Etherlink’s Evolution
Etherlink has undergone significant changes since its launch. Initial upgrades focused on EVM compatibility and token bridging (e.g., Bifröst in 2024). More recent updates, such as Etherlink 6.5 and 6.6 in mid-2026, have prioritized security and governance reliability. This progression highlights a shift from foundational features to advanced interoperability and composability, as demonstrated by Etherlink 7.0.
The Michelson interface and NAC represent a major milestone, addressing long-standing limitations in cross-ecosystem interactions. With Ethereum’s dominance in DeFi and NFTs and Tezos’ strengths in formal verification and energy efficiency, Etherlink 7.0 could create synergies that drive adoption across both communities.
Governance Timelines
The governance process for Etherlink 7.0 follows Tezos’ on-chain, self-amending model. A slow governance period will start August 3, 2026, with an initial proposal vote at Tezos L1 level #14,328,289. The promotion vote is expected to begin August 7, 2026, at level #14,395,489. Node operators must upgrade to Octez EVM node version 0.64 to ensure compatibility with the new features.
Takeaway for Developers and Traders
Developers can already experiment with Etherlink 7.0 features via the Tezos X Previewnet. The NAC demo showcases cross-interface atomicity, allowing transactions from MetaMask to directly update Michelson smart contract storage. This functionality could unlock new use cases for DeFi, cross-chain applications, and formal verification within Etherlink.
For traders, the expanded functionality of Etherlink could boost demand for Tezos (XTZ) and Etherlink-native assets. The integration of Ethereum and Tezos ecosystems may also increase liquidity and attract a broader user base, making Etherlink 7.0 a potential long-term catalyst for the Tezos protocol.
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