Well maybe the answer you are looking for is actually in EU sovereign states themselves (we have complete fiscal sovereignty so I don't know why you are implying the EU can stop us implementing any policy we choose).
What is wrong with a Scandinavian type democracy? They punch above their Wright economically and studies repeatedly show they are happier than UK citizens, despite worse weather, less winter sun, and eye watering beer prices.
Oh yeah, they have high taxes and big government, an anathema to people like yourself who crave a US system of personal liberty and fuck the consequences for society. That's the issue in reality, Thatcher destroyed social conscience and we are left to live with the consequences.