Spain has a golden opportunity to win some hearts and minds in Gibraltar if only it uses charm rather than its usual bully-boy tactics. Gibraltar voted almost rock-solid to remain in the European Union, but to their dismay Britain voted out. Gibraltar needs the EU; in fact it is vital for its economy. Spain could close the border, which was re-opened when Spain joined the European Union.
I can’t see this happening but it is a danger. Spain could seize on the pro-EU sentiment on Gibraltar. A joint soverignty deal with Spain and Britain, with Gibraltar remaining in the EU is a possibility. Spain has already started pushing for this kind of deal. The British exit has knocked Gibraltar for six, and the government is desperately trying to find a way to keep its EU status. It will be no easy task. Spain has already told Scotland to forget EU membership, so I can’t see them accepting Gibraltar of all places.