What concessions does the UK need from Spain with regard to Gibraltar? There was zero chance of Spain taking it by force before their acceptance into NATO, and even less afterwards, theres no change in the UK stance on Gibraltar one way or the other, and the people of Gibraltar don't want to become Spanish (long been settled). So what concessions did the UK need? Spain to stop with its claims? Wouldn't that be seen as overbearing by the UK when they can just continue to ignore Spain on the matter? @Moo

I seriously doubt fears of aggression by Morocco or any other North-African country played any part in Spain decision to join NATO. Spain could be weak, militarily speaking, yet an order of magnitude stronger than any of those possible foes. Joining NATO was a movement towards western recognition and integration in the greater world after 40 years of isolation under the Francoist regime. Spain was looking for its place under the sun. @Rekesoft