diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/App.tsx b/formulus-formplayer/src/App.tsx
index 07da65418..df5ee50ba 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/App.tsx
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/App.tsx
@@ -115,6 +115,7 @@ import ShellInputControl, {
 } from './jsonforms/ShellInputControl';
 import { applyClearOnHideToRenderers } from './jsonforms/applyClearOnHideToRenderers';
 import type { KeyboardPrimaryEnterKeyHint } from './utils/keyboardEnterKeyHint';
+import { additionalErrorsForDisplay } from './utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay';
 
 import ErrorBoundary from './components/ErrorBoundary';
 import { draftService } from './services/DraftService';
@@ -460,9 +461,10 @@ function App() {
   // Deferred validation: new forms start hidden (no red errors on first paint),
   // then switch to ValidateAndShow on first forward navigation / finalize. Edits
   // and draft resumes start shown. Host can override via params.validationMode.
+  // Default Hide so pre-init flash cannot paint Show before FormInitData arrives.
   const [validationMode, setValidationMode] = useState<
     'ValidateAndShow' | 'ValidateAndHide' | 'NoValidation'
-  >('ValidateAndShow');
+  >('ValidateAndHide');
   const [uiLocale, setUiLocale] = useState<OdeUiLocale>('en');
   const uiLocaleRef = useRef(uiLocale);
   uiLocaleRef.current = uiLocale;
@@ -1572,7 +1574,10 @@ function App() {
                         onChange={handleDataChange}
                         validationMode={validationMode}
                         ajv={ajv}
-                        additionalErrors={customValidatorErrors}
+                        additionalErrors={additionalErrorsForDisplay(
+                          validationMode,
+                          customValidatorErrors,
+                        )}
                       />
                     </FormEvaluationProvider>
                     {/* Success Snackbar */}
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/DynamicEnumControl.tsx b/formulus-formplayer/src/DynamicEnumControl.tsx
index 29e6ae91d..67edf287c 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/DynamicEnumControl.tsx
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/DynamicEnumControl.tsx
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import {
 } from '@mui/material';
 import QuestionShell from './components/QuestionShell';
 import { useClearOnHide } from './jsonforms/useClearOnHide';
+import { useOdeT } from './i18n/useOdeT';
 
 /**
  * Interface for x-dynamicEnum configuration
@@ -129,6 +130,7 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
 }) => {
   const { functions } = useFormEvaluation();
   const ctx = useJsonForms();
+  const t = useOdeT();
 
   useClearOnHide({ visible, path, data, handleChange });
 
@@ -158,9 +160,11 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
     [handleChange, path],
   );
 
-  // Find selected option based on current data value - must be before early returns
+  // Find selected option based on current data value - must be before early returns.
+  // Coerce so number/string mismatches from saved observations still resolve.
   const selectedOption = useMemo(() => {
-    return choices.find(opt => opt.const === data) || null;
+    if (data == null || data === '') return null;
+    return choices.find(opt => String(opt.const) === String(data)) || null;
   }, [choices, data]);
 
   // Get display label from schema or uischema - computed before early returns
@@ -187,13 +191,20 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
   // Load choices when component mounts or params change
   const loadChoices = useCallback(async () => {
     if (!dynamicConfig) {
-      setError('x-dynamicEnum configuration is missing');
+      setError(
+        t(
+          'dynamicEnum.configMissing',
+          'x-dynamicEnum configuration is missing',
+        ),
+      );
       return;
     }
 
     // Validate configuration
     if (!dynamicConfig.query) {
-      setError('x-dynamicEnum: query is required');
+      setError(
+        t('dynamicEnum.queryRequired', 'x-dynamicEnum: query is required'),
+      );
       return;
     }
 
@@ -203,7 +214,14 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
     if (!func) {
       const availableFunctions = Array.from(functions.keys()).join(', ');
       setError(
-        `Function "${functionName}" not found. Available: ${availableFunctions || 'none'}.`,
+        t(
+          'dynamicEnum.functionNotFound',
+          'Function "{{functionName}}" not found. Available: {{available}}.',
+          {
+            functionName,
+            available: availableFunctions || 'none',
+          },
+        ),
       );
       return;
     }
@@ -251,13 +269,15 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
       };
       setLocalSchema(updatedSchema);
     } catch (err: any) {
-      const errorMessage = err?.message || 'Failed to load dynamic choices';
+      const errorMessage =
+        err?.message ||
+        t('dynamicEnum.loadFailed', 'Failed to load dynamic choices');
       setError(`${errorMessage}`);
       console.error(`Error loading dynamic choices for ${path}:`, err);
     } finally {
       setLoading(false);
     }
-  }, [dynamicConfig, functions, path, localSchema, currentFormData]); // Use currentFormData instead
+  }, [dynamicConfig, functions, path, localSchema, currentFormData, t]); // Use currentFormData instead
 
   // Load choices on mount, when config changes, and when form data changes (for cascading filters)
   // currentFormData must be in deps so fields that use {{data.field}} templates reload
@@ -311,7 +331,12 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
             {description}
           </Typography>
         )}
-        <Alert severity="error">x-dynamicEnum configuration is missing</Alert>
+        <Alert severity="error">
+          {t(
+            'dynamicEnum.configMissing',
+            'x-dynamicEnum configuration is missing',
+          )}
+        </Alert>
       </Box>
     );
   }
@@ -326,7 +351,7 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
         <Box display="flex" alignItems="center" gap={2} sx={{ mt: 1 }}>
           <CircularProgress size={20} />
           <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
-            Loading choices...
+            {t('dynamicEnum.loading', 'Loading choices...')}
           </Typography>
         </Box>
       ) : error ? (
@@ -339,12 +364,12 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
             color="primary"
             sx={{ cursor: 'pointer', textDecoration: 'underline' }}
             onClick={loadChoices}>
-            Retry
+            {t('dynamicEnum.retry', 'Retry')}
           </Typography>
         </Box>
       ) : choices.length === 0 ? (
         <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary" sx={{ mt: 1 }}>
-          No options available
+          {t('dynamicEnum.noOptions', 'No options available')}
         </Typography>
       ) : (
         <Autocomplete
@@ -352,14 +377,20 @@ const DynamicEnumControl: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
           onChange={handleValueChange}
           options={choices}
           getOptionLabel={option => option.title || String(option.const)}
-          isOptionEqualToValue={(option, value) => option.const === value.const}
+          isOptionEqualToValue={(option, value) =>
+            String(option.const) === String(value.const)
+          }
           disabled={!enabled}
           sx={{ mt: 1 }}
           renderInput={params => (
             <TextField
               {...params}
               error={!!hasValidationErrors}
-              placeholder="Select an option..."
+              placeholder={
+                selectedOption
+                  ? undefined
+                  : t('dynamicEnum.selectOption', 'Select an option...')
+              }
             />
           )}
         />
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/en.json b/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/en.json
index cacb2df77..99b4e5924 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/en.json
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/en.json
@@ -82,7 +82,24 @@
   "media.qrCode": "QR Code",
   "media.approximateDate": "Approximate Date",
   "media.takePhoto": "Take photo",
+  "media.openingCamera": "Opening camera...",
+  "media.retakePhoto": "Retake photo",
+  "media.deletePhoto": "Delete photo",
+  "media.captureHint": "Capture a clear photo.",
+  "media.capturedPhotoAlt": "Captured photo",
+  "media.invalidFilename": "Invalid photo filename from camera.",
+  "media.cameraError": "Camera error occurred",
+  "media.unknownCameraError": "Unknown camera error",
+  "media.captureFailed": "Failed to capture photo. Please try again.",
   "media.recording": "Recording...",
+  "dynamicEnum.selectOption": "Select an option...",
+  "dynamicEnum.loading": "Loading choices...",
+  "dynamicEnum.retry": "Retry",
+  "dynamicEnum.noOptions": "No options available",
+  "dynamicEnum.configMissing": "x-dynamicEnum configuration is missing",
+  "dynamicEnum.queryRequired": "x-dynamicEnum: query is required",
+  "dynamicEnum.functionNotFound": "Function \"{{functionName}}\" not found. Available: {{available}}.",
+  "dynamicEnum.loadFailed": "Failed to load dynamic choices",
   "cqt.errorTitle": "Custom Question Type Error",
   "cqt.errorBody": "The custom question type \"{{format}}\" encountered an error and could not be rendered.",
   "cqt.errorDetails": "Error Details (click to expand)",
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/fr.json b/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/fr.json
index 44afd1d1f..b5369225f 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/fr.json
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/fr.json
@@ -82,7 +82,24 @@
   "media.qrCode": "Code QR",
   "media.approximateDate": "Date approximative",
   "media.takePhoto": "Prendre une photo",
+  "media.openingCamera": "Ouverture de l'appareil photo...",
+  "media.retakePhoto": "Reprendre la photo",
+  "media.deletePhoto": "Supprimer la photo",
+  "media.captureHint": "Prenez une photo nette.",
+  "media.capturedPhotoAlt": "Photo capturée",
+  "media.invalidFilename": "Nom de fichier photo invalide provenant de l'appareil photo.",
+  "media.cameraError": "Une erreur de l'appareil photo s'est produite",
+  "media.unknownCameraError": "Erreur inconnue de l'appareil photo",
+  "media.captureFailed": "Échec de la capture de la photo. Veuillez réessayer.",
   "media.recording": "Enregistrement...",
+  "dynamicEnum.selectOption": "Sélectionnez une option...",
+  "dynamicEnum.loading": "Chargement des options...",
+  "dynamicEnum.retry": "Réessayer",
+  "dynamicEnum.noOptions": "Aucune option disponible",
+  "dynamicEnum.configMissing": "Configuration x-dynamicEnum manquante",
+  "dynamicEnum.queryRequired": "x-dynamicEnum : la requête est obligatoire",
+  "dynamicEnum.functionNotFound": "Fonction « {{functionName}} » introuvable. Disponibles : {{available}}.",
+  "dynamicEnum.loadFailed": "Échec du chargement des options dynamiques",
   "cqt.errorTitle": "Erreur du type de question personnalisé",
   "cqt.errorBody": "Le type de question personnalisé « {{format}} » a rencontré une erreur et n'a pas pu être affiché.",
   "cqt.errorDetails": "Détails de l'erreur (cliquer pour développer)",
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/pt.json b/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/pt.json
index f81439b8e..0b09f968a 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/pt.json
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/locales/pt.json
@@ -82,7 +82,24 @@
   "media.qrCode": "Código QR",
   "media.approximateDate": "Data aproximada",
   "media.takePhoto": "Tirar fotografia",
+  "media.openingCamera": "A abrir a câmara...",
+  "media.retakePhoto": "Repetir fotografia",
+  "media.deletePhoto": "Eliminar fotografia",
+  "media.captureHint": "Capture uma fotografia nítida.",
+  "media.capturedPhotoAlt": "Fotografia capturada",
+  "media.invalidFilename": "Nome de ficheiro de fotografia inválido da câmara.",
+  "media.cameraError": "Ocorreu um erro da câmara",
+  "media.unknownCameraError": "Erro desconhecido da câmara",
+  "media.captureFailed": "Falha ao capturar a fotografia. Tente novamente.",
   "media.recording": "A gravar...",
+  "dynamicEnum.selectOption": "Selecione uma opção...",
+  "dynamicEnum.loading": "A carregar opções...",
+  "dynamicEnum.retry": "Tentar novamente",
+  "dynamicEnum.noOptions": "Nenhuma opção disponível",
+  "dynamicEnum.configMissing": "Configuração x-dynamicEnum em falta",
+  "dynamicEnum.queryRequired": "x-dynamicEnum: a consulta é obrigatória",
+  "dynamicEnum.functionNotFound": "Função \"{{functionName}}\" não encontrada. Disponíveis: {{available}}.",
+  "dynamicEnum.loadFailed": "Falha ao carregar opções dinâmicas",
   "cqt.errorTitle": "Erro no tipo de pergunta personalizado",
   "cqt.errorBody": "O tipo de pergunta personalizado \"{{format}}\" encontrou um erro e não pôde ser apresentado.",
   "cqt.errorDetails": "Detalhes do erro (clique para expandir)",
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/FileQuestionRenderer.tsx b/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/FileQuestionRenderer.tsx
index 8dce9f985..56465b64b 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/FileQuestionRenderer.tsx
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/FileQuestionRenderer.tsx
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import {
   attachmentBasenameFromObservation,
 } from '../utils/attachmentBasename';
 import FormulusClient from '../services/FormulusInterface';
+import { formatControlErrors } from '../utils/formatControlErrors';
 
 const parsePx = (value: string): number =>
   parseInt(value.replace('px', ''), 10);
@@ -183,8 +184,7 @@ const FileQuestionRenderer: React.FC<ControlProps> = ({
   const obs = fileObservationRecord(data);
   const hasData = obs !== null;
   const displayName = displayFilenameForFileObservation(obs);
-  const validationError =
-    errors && errors.length > 0 ? String(errors[0]) : null;
+  const validationError = formatControlErrors(errors);
 
   const label = (uischema as { label?: string }).label ?? schema.title;
   const description = schema.description;
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/PhotoQuestionRenderer.tsx b/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/PhotoQuestionRenderer.tsx
index c999c45f8..39658a864 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/PhotoQuestionRenderer.tsx
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/PhotoQuestionRenderer.tsx
@@ -28,6 +28,12 @@ import {
   attachmentBasenameFromFilename,
   attachmentBasenameFromObservation,
 } from '../utils/attachmentBasename';
+import { formatControlErrors } from '../utils/formatControlErrors';
+import {
+  resolveControlDescription,
+  resolveControlLabel,
+} from '../utils/controlDisplayText';
+import { useOdeT } from '../i18n/useOdeT';
 
 // Helper to parse pixel values from tokens
 const parsePx = (value: string): number => {
@@ -68,36 +74,41 @@ interface PhotoQuestionProps extends ControlProps {
   // Additional props specific to photo questions can be added here
 }
 
-const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
-  data,
-  handleChange,
-  path,
-  errors,
-  schema,
-  uischema,
-  enabled = true,
-  visible = true,
-}) => {
+const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = props => {
+  const {
+    data,
+    handleChange,
+    path,
+    errors,
+    schema,
+    enabled = true,
+    visible = true,
+  } = props;
+
+  const t = useOdeT();
   const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(false);
   const [photoUrl, setPhotoUrl] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
 
   // Safe error setter to prevent corruption
-  const setSafeError = useCallback((errorMessage: string | null) => {
-    if (errorMessage === null || errorMessage === undefined) {
-      setError(null);
-    } else if (typeof errorMessage === 'string' && errorMessage.length > 0) {
-      setError(errorMessage);
-    } else {
-      console.warn(
-        'Invalid error message detected:',
-        errorMessage,
-        'Type:',
-        typeof errorMessage,
-      );
-      setError('An unknown error occurred');
-    }
-  }, []);
+  const setSafeError = useCallback(
+    (errorMessage: string | null) => {
+      if (errorMessage === null || errorMessage === undefined) {
+        setError(null);
+      } else if (typeof errorMessage === 'string' && errorMessage.length > 0) {
+        setError(errorMessage);
+      } else {
+        console.warn(
+          'Invalid error message detected:',
+          errorMessage,
+          'Type:',
+          typeof errorMessage,
+        );
+        setError(t('cqt.unknownError', 'Unknown error'));
+      }
+    },
+    [t],
+  );
   const formulusClient = useRef<FormulusClient>(FormulusClient.getInstance());
 
   // Extract field ID from the path for use with the camera interface
@@ -152,7 +163,9 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
           cameraResult.data.filename,
         );
         if (!storedBasename) {
-          setSafeError('Invalid photo filename from camera.');
+          setSafeError(
+            t('media.invalidFilename', 'Invalid photo filename from camera.'),
+          );
           return;
         }
 
@@ -196,24 +209,29 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
           console.log('Camera operation cancelled by user');
           setSafeError(null);
         } else if (cameraError.status === 'error') {
-          const errorMessage = cameraError.message || 'Camera error occurred';
+          const errorMessage =
+            cameraError.message ||
+            t('media.cameraError', 'Camera error occurred');
           console.log('Setting camera error message:', errorMessage);
           setSafeError(errorMessage);
         } else {
-          setSafeError('Unknown camera error');
+          setSafeError(t('media.unknownCameraError', 'Unknown camera error'));
         }
       } else {
         const errorMessage =
           err?.message ||
           err?.toString() ||
-          'Failed to capture photo. Please try again.';
+          t(
+            'media.captureFailed',
+            'Failed to capture photo. Please try again.',
+          );
         console.log('Setting error message:', errorMessage);
         setSafeError(errorMessage);
       }
     } finally {
       setIsLoading(false);
     }
-  }, [fieldId, enabled, handleChange, path, setSafeError]);
+  }, [fieldId, enabled, handleChange, path, setSafeError, t]);
 
   // Handle photo deletion
   const handleDeletePhoto = useCallback(() => {
@@ -225,17 +243,15 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
     console.log('Photo deleted for field:', fieldId);
   }, [fieldId, handleChange, path, enabled, setSafeError]);
 
-  // Get display label from schema or uischema
-  const label = (uischema as any)?.label || schema.title || 'Photo';
-  const description = schema.description;
+  const label = resolveControlLabel(props) || t('media.photo', 'Photo');
+  const description = resolveControlDescription(props) ?? schema.description;
   const isRequired = Boolean(
-    (uischema as any)?.options?.required ??
+    (props.uischema as any)?.options?.required ??
     (schema as any)?.options?.required ??
     false,
   );
 
-  const validationError =
-    errors && errors.length > 0 ? String(errors[0]) : null;
+  const validationError = formatControlErrors(errors);
 
   const displayBasename = attachmentBasenameFromObservation(
     currentPhotoData as Record<string, unknown> | null,
@@ -252,7 +268,9 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
       required={isRequired}
       error={error || validationError}
       helperText={
-        displayBasename ? `File: ${displayBasename}` : 'Capture a clear photo.'
+        displayBasename
+          ? undefined
+          : t('media.captureHint', 'Capture a clear photo.')
       }
       metadata={
         process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development' ? (
@@ -301,7 +319,7 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
             component="img"
             height="200"
             image={photoUrl}
-            alt="Captured photo"
+            alt={t('media.capturedPhotoAlt', 'Captured photo')}
             sx={{ objectFit: 'cover' }}
           />
           <CardContent>
@@ -323,7 +341,7 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
                   disabled={!enabled || isLoading}
                   color="primary"
                   size="small"
-                  aria-label="Retake photo">
+                  aria-label={t('media.retakePhoto', 'Retake photo')}>
                   <Refresh />
                 </IconButton>
                 <IconButton
@@ -331,7 +349,7 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
                   disabled={!enabled}
                   color="error"
                   size="small"
-                  aria-label="Delete photo">
+                  aria-label={t('media.deletePhoto', 'Delete photo')}>
                   <Delete />
                 </IconButton>
               </Box>
@@ -366,14 +384,16 @@ const PhotoQuestionRenderer: React.FC<PhotoQuestionProps> = ({
                 color: 'action.disabled',
               },
             }}
-            aria-label="Take photo">
+            aria-label={t('media.takePhoto', 'Take photo')}>
             <PhotoCamera sx={{ fontSize: { xs: 28, sm: 32 } }} />
           </IconButton>
           <Typography
             variant="body2"
             color="text.secondary"
             sx={{ mt: 2, textAlign: 'center' }}>
-            {isLoading ? 'Opening camera...' : 'Tap to capture photo'}
+            {isLoading
+              ? t('media.openingCamera', 'Opening camera...')
+              : t('media.photoTap', 'Tap to capture photo')}
           </Typography>
         </Box>
       )}
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/SwipeLayoutRenderer.tsx b/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/SwipeLayoutRenderer.tsx
index bb966f1c8..825e7f63d 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/SwipeLayoutRenderer.tsx
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/renderers/SwipeLayoutRenderer.tsx
@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ const SwipeLayoutRenderer = ({
   const t = useOdeT();
   const parentFormContext = useFormContext();
   const { formInitData } = parentFormContext;
+  const showValidationErrors = core?.validationMode === 'ValidateAndShow';
 
   const fallbackAjv = useMemo(() => createAjv(), []);
   const ajv = core?.ajv ?? fallbackAjv;
@@ -683,15 +684,18 @@ const SwipeLayoutRenderer = ({
             )}
           </div>
 
-          {skipFinalize && isLastContentPage && validationErrorCount > 0 && (
-            <Typography
-              variant="body2"
-              color="error"
-              role="alert"
-              sx={{ px: { xs: 1, sm: 1.5 }, pt: 1, pb: 0.5 }}>
-              {validationAlertMessage}
-            </Typography>
-          )}
+          {skipFinalize &&
+            isLastContentPage &&
+            showValidationErrors &&
+            validationErrorCount > 0 && (
+              <Typography
+                variant="body2"
+                color="error"
+                role="alert"
+                sx={{ px: { xs: 1, sm: 1.5 }, pt: 1, pb: 0.5 }}>
+                {validationAlertMessage}
+              </Typography>
+            )}
 
           {snackbarOpen &&
             typeof document !== 'undefined' &&
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/theme/material-wrappers.tsx b/formulus-formplayer/src/theme/material-wrappers.tsx
index fc8f256aa..5935c35ce 100644
--- a/formulus-formplayer/src/theme/material-wrappers.tsx
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/theme/material-wrappers.tsx
@@ -221,6 +221,8 @@ const SelectOneOfEnumControl = (props: ControlProps & OwnPropsOfEnum) => {
     typeof (uischema as any)?.options?.placeholder === 'string'
       ? (uischema as any).options.placeholder
       : '—';
+  // Coerce so option values (always strings) match saved data (number/boolean).
+  const selectValue = data == null || data === '' ? '' : String(data);
 
   return (
     <QuestionShell
@@ -235,8 +237,7 @@ const SelectOneOfEnumControl = (props: ControlProps & OwnPropsOfEnum) => {
         disabled={!enabled}>
         <Select
           native
-          value={data ?? ''}
-          displayEmpty
+          value={selectValue}
           onChange={event => {
             const value = event.target.value;
             handleChange(path, value === '' ? undefined : value);
@@ -245,7 +246,10 @@ const SelectOneOfEnumControl = (props: ControlProps & OwnPropsOfEnum) => {
             'aria-label':
               typeof label === 'string' ? label : (schema.title ?? undefined),
           }}>
-          <option value="">{placeholder}</option>
+          {/* Disable clear only when required — optional enums must stay clearable. */}
+          <option value="" disabled={required && selectValue !== ''}>
+            {placeholder}
+          </option>
           {options.map(option => (
             <option key={String(option.value)} value={String(option.value)}>
               {option.label}
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay.test.ts b/formulus-formplayer/src/utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3ad3e2097
--- /dev/null
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import type { ErrorObject } from 'ajv';
+import { additionalErrorsForDisplay } from './additionalErrorsForDisplay';
+
+const sampleError: ErrorObject = {
+  instancePath: '/name',
+  schemaPath: '#/properties/name/custom',
+  keyword: 'custom',
+  params: {},
+  message: 'Custom validator failed',
+};
+
+describe('additionalErrorsForDisplay', () => {
+  it('suppresses custom validator errors while ValidateAndHide', () => {
+    expect(
+      additionalErrorsForDisplay('ValidateAndHide', [sampleError]),
+    ).toEqual([]);
+  });
+
+  it('suppresses custom validator errors while NoValidation', () => {
+    expect(additionalErrorsForDisplay('NoValidation', [sampleError])).toEqual(
+      [],
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('passes through custom validator errors when ValidateAndShow', () => {
+    expect(
+      additionalErrorsForDisplay('ValidateAndShow', [sampleError]),
+    ).toEqual([sampleError]);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/formulus-formplayer/src/utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay.ts b/formulus-formplayer/src/utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f909fff60
--- /dev/null
+++ b/formulus-formplayer/src/utils/additionalErrorsForDisplay.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+import type { ErrorObject } from 'ajv';
+import type { ValidationMode } from '@jsonforms/core';
+
+/**
+ * JsonForms still paints `additionalErrors` under `ValidateAndHide` (AJV schema
+ * errors are hidden, custom ones are not). Gate custom-validator display on Show
+ * so clear-on-hide / early validator runs do not flash red before first Next.
+ */
+export function additionalErrorsForDisplay(
+  validationMode: ValidationMode,
+  customValidatorErrors: ErrorObject[],
+): ErrorObject[] {
+  return validationMode === 'ValidateAndShow' ? customValidatorErrors : [];
+}