European Union bonds will continue to play an important role in markets for years, according to an Intercontinental Exchange Inc executive, rebuking concerns about the bloc’s long-term status as a major issuer.

Chris Rhodeschairman of ICE Futures Europe, said the company was moving forward with a launch futures linked to an EU debt index next month. This is even the case for its rival Eurex Clearing AG delayed plans to launch a similar product citing uncertainty over new emissions.