The article analyses the complex forms of memory about communism in Central and Eastern European societies, highlighting the coexistence of negative, neutral, and positive narratives. It presents the processes of de-commemoration and re-commemoration as integral elements of systemic transformation, emphasising their heterogeneous and politically charged nature. Using Poland and other regional examples, it discusses the impact of generational change, socio-cultural transformations, and political tensions on the memory of communism. The article highlights the asynchronous nature of debates about communism, stemming from different proximities to the USSR and national experiences, pointing to transgressions and complications in the process of coming to terms with the past. It also underlines the growing redefinition of memory and raises the question of whether forgetting without denial is possible – an ongoing challenge in public discourse and the shaping of historical identity.
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