According to Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum is exploring a backwards-compatibility strategy by moving the old EVM from consensus-critical client code to a RISC-V implementation, ensuring that all existing smart contracts remain functional without modification (source: Vitalik Buterin Twitter, May 3, 2025). This approach aims to streamline client development and reduce consensus risks, while maintaining uninterrupted support for legacy contracts—a key trading concern for users relying on established DeFi and NFT protocols.