Ethereum's founder, Vitalik Buterin, has issued a stark warning: decentralization is not just a buzzword, but the key to Ethereum's long-term survival. Speaking at the Ethereum Community Conference in Cannes, he emphasized that if decentralization remains merely a slogan, Ethereum risks fading into obscurity like obsolete technologies. Buterin stressed the importance of adhering to core technical principles within the cryptocurrency industry. He outlined key objectives for Ethereum over the next decade, including passing the "Walk-Away Test," ensuring asset security even if the development entity vanishes. He also highlighted the need for a robust protocol structure resistant to internal attacks. Buterin's message underscores the fundamental belief in decentralized systems that underpins the entire crypto movement. Without genuine decentralization, Ethereum risks becoming a centralized entity, vulnerable to control and ultimately, irrelevant. The future of Ethereum hinges on its commitment to these core principles. ```