XRP Ledger Gears Up for Q2 EVM Launch – Will Ripple Finally Plug Into Ethereum?

Ripple''s XRP Ledger is charging toward a Q2 EVM integration—potentially bridging the gap between its native ecosystem and Ethereum''s sprawling DeFi playground. The move could finally let XRP holders swap their bags for ETH-based tokens without begging centralized exchanges for mercy.

Why this matters: EVM compatibility would thrust XRPL into the smart contract big leagues, letting developers port Solidity dApps with minimal fuss. But let''s see if Wall Street''s favorite ''not-a-security'' can handle the gas fees without crying.

Bottom line: If executed cleanly, this could be Ripple''s long-awaited escape from payment-rail purgatory. Just don''t expect Ethereum maximalists to start burning their ''Flippening'' memes anytime soon—even bridges have trolls.

XRP Ledger’s EVM Sidechain is Live on Testnet

Built using the evmOS software stack, the sidechain is currently live on testnet, with a mainnet launch expected later this quarter after further validator onboarding.

Unlike Ethereum-native blockchains, the XRP Ledger does not currently support the EVM environment that powers most decentralized applications.

The new sidechain aims to fill that gap while preserving XRP’s efficiency. A bridge will link the sidechain to the XRP Ledger mainnet, using Axelar as the sole provider for asset transfers.

The one and only @JoelKatz and Ripple’s @jazzicoop announced the XRPL EVM is going live Q2 at Apex featuring some DeFi apps like @StrobeFinance @vertex_protocol, @SecurdLabs and @squidrouter building on itpic.twitter.com/EPhz1JcdiA

Wrapped XRP will act as the gas token on the EVM sidechain, enabling smart contract execution without leaving the broader XRP ecosystem.

While the Flare Network already offers an EVM-compatible solution for XRP users, this move brings Ethereum integration directly under Ripple’s umbrella.

In May, the XRP Ledger expanded its stablecoin offerings with the launch of two new region-specific assets, including EURØP, a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin from Schuman Financial, and USDB, a dollar-pegged token issued by Brazil’s Braza Group.

EURØP, backed by euros and safeguarded by major institutions like Societe Generale, marks the first fully MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin on XRPL.

Meanwhile, Braza Group’s USDB stablecoin, backed by U.S. and Brazilian bonds, offers Brazilian users a secure digital asset for payments and hedging.

XRP Faces Backlash as Ripple Aligns With Europe on Digital Euro Project

As reported, serial entrepreneur and investor Gary Cardone has launched a scathing attack on XRP, accusing the digital asset of aligning itself with centralized governments in a bid to stay relevant.

His remarks follow ongoing speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) may integrate the XRP Ledger into its digital euro infrastructure.

While the ECB has not confirmed any formal partnership with Ripple or its XRP Ledger, rumors have circulated across crypto circles.

Cardone went further, likening XRP’s influence in finance to a new virus, calling it “COVID-19 Part Two in finance.”

He warned that continued support for the token amounts to voting for “European warmongers,” framing XRP’s ambitions as a threat to freedom rather than a step forward in financial innovation.

The comments drew immediate backlash from the XRP community, which labeled the remarks as inflammatory and unfounded.

Robert Doyle, known online as Crypto Sensei, countered Cardone’s statements by noting that “there is no official confirmation” that Ripple technology will be used for the digital euro.

He emphasized that, while the ECB is exploring CBDCs, no final decision has been made regarding the technology stack.