This article analyses competing models of socio-economic governance in the context of a shifting global order. It argues that the collapse of state socialism and the dominance of neoliberal capitalism did not conclude the debate over optimal socio-economic systems. On the contrary, the 2008 financial crisis, the rise of populist-nationalist movements, and the emergence of a multipolar world order have revitalised discussions about alternatives to neoliberalism. The text examines Poland’s post-1989 transformation, critiques the adoption of neoliberal reforms and contrasts them with the social-democratic welfare models of Northern Europe. Emphasising the work of Tadeusz Kowalik, the article advocates for deepened European integration as a necessary condition for building a democratic welfare state, both in Poland and across the EU. The author contends that only supranational, coordinated efforts can counter the pressures of global capital and systemic inequality. The paper concludes by identifying barriers to such transformation—namely, the strength of neoliberal ideology and international capital, as well as the rise of authoritarian populism—and outlines the strategic importance of reshaping European integration along social and democratic lines.