Yeah time for EU to change, all these legislation and rules never helped EU to grow. I guess it's up to Gernamy/France to finally figure it out
As for Germany, Mertz is disliked greatly and the AFD will most likely win the next state elections in the east which could accelerate his departure.
Finally Germany and France are both facing many internal issues including migration, debt and low economic growth prospects.
All of this to say that change will not come from there.