Etch stop layer-based approaches for via fabrication are described. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of conductive lines in an ILD layer, wherein each of the plurality of conductive lines has a bulk portion including a metal and has an uppermost surface including the metal and a non-metal. A hardmask layer is on the plurality of conductive lines and on an uppermost surface of the ILD layer, and includes a first hardmask component on and aligned with the uppermost surface of the plurality of conductive lines, and a second hardmask component on and aligned with regions of the uppermost surface of the ILD layer. A conductive via is in an opening in the hardmask layer and on a portion of one of the plurality of conductive lines, the portion having a composition different than the uppermost surface including the metal and the non-metal.