The EVM sidechain is designed to combine the low-cost, high-speed settlement layer of the XRP Ledger with Ethereum.
At the Apex 2025 event in Singapore, held in collaboration with blockchain firm Peersyst, Ripple CTO David Schwartz confirmed that XRP Ledger is preparing to launch an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain in Q2, marking a major step towards compatibility with Ethereum.
The EVM sidechain is designed to combine the low-cost, high-speed settlement layer of the XRP Ledger with the robust smart contract capabilities of the Ethereum blockchain.
XRP Ledger's EVM Sidechain Goes Live on Testnet
The sidechain, which is currently live on Testnet , was built using the evmOS software stack. It is scheduled to officially launch on the mainnet by the end of Q2, after additional validators have been integrated.
Unlike native Ethereum blockchains, the XRP Ledger does not currently support the EVM environment that powers most decentralized applications.
Accordingly, the new sidechain aims to bridge this gap while preserving XRP’s efficiency. A bridge will connect the sidechain to the XRP Ledger mainnet, using the Axelar multichain platform as the sole provider for asset transfers.
The Wrapped XRP token will be used to pay transaction fees on the EVM sidechain, allowing smart contracts to be executed without leaving the broader XRP ecosystem.
While the popular full-stack layer 1 solution Flare Network already offers an EVM-compatible solution for XRP users, the decision to launch an EVM sidechain brings Ethereum integration directly under the Ripple umbrella.
In May, 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 Brazilian group Braza.
The EURØP stablecoin, backed by the euro and guaranteed by major institutions such as Societe Generale , is 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 Takes Backlash as Ripple Aligns With Europe on Digital Euro Project
As reported by other sources, entrepreneur and serial investor Gary Cardone has launched a scathing attack on XRP, accusing the digital asset of aligning itself with centralized governments in an attempt to remain relevant.
His remarks follow ongoing speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) could integrate the XRP Ledger into its digital euro infrastructure.
Although the ECB has not confirmed any formal partnership with Ripple or XRP Ledger, rumors have started to circulate in cryptocurrency circles.
Cardone went further, comparing XRP 's influence in finance to a new virus, calling it:
“COVID-19 Part Two in Finance”.
Furthermore, Cardone warned that continued support for the token is tantamount to voting for “European warmongers ,” framing XRP’s ambitions as a threat to freedom rather than a step forward in financial innovation.
The comments immediately sparked a strong reaction from the XRP community , who called Cardone's remarks provocative and unfounded.
Cryptonairz CEO Robert Doyle , known online by the pseudonym Crypto Sensei, countered Cardone's claims by stressing that “there is no official confirmation” that Ripple technology will be used for the digital euro.
Doyle highlighted that while the ECB is exploring CBDCs , no final decisions have been made regarding the technology stack.
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