Incoming European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that Brexit – "should it happen" – would be only the start of a new relationship between the UK and the EU, and "not the end."

In an implicit warning to Brexit supporters in the UK arguing for a so-called "clean break" departure from the European Union with no deal in place, she said the two sides would have to work to build up ties anew after the divorce.

"The Brexit, should it happen, is not the end of something but it's the beginning of our future relationship," she said as she named Ireland's Phil Hogan to take charge of EU trade, including post-Brexit talks with Britain on a free trade deal.

The German, who takes office at the helm of the EU's executive team on November 1, told reporters in Brussels she was ensuring a "smooth transition" with the outgoing commission, which has been handling the Brexit issue.

Asked about British Prime Minister Boris Johnson being pressured by his parliament to ask for another extension to Brexit – a third, to run until the end of January 2020 – von der Leyen said that is entirely up to London.

"The next steps are completely in the hands and the decision of the United Kingdom. So I will not comment on their decisions and the next steps they might take," she said. "So we'll see how things will proceed."

The incoming head of the EU executive also named her 27-strong team on Tuesday, promising it would focus on addressing changes in climate, technology and demography that are generating anxiety in communities across the 28-member bloc.

She will become the first woman to head the European Commission after promising a platform of a greener, fairer and rule-based Europe.

(With input from Reuters, AFP)

(Cover: European Commission's president-designate Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a news conference at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, September 10, 2019. /Reuters Photo)