CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided that can suppress deterioration of combustion due to a response delay of recirculated exhaust gas. An exhaust gas recirculation passage (38) that connects an intake passage (26) and an exhaust passage (20), and an exhaust gas recirculation valve (42) that adjusts the flow rate of the recirculated exhaust gas that flows through the exhaust gas recirculation passage (38) are provided. An intake variable valve operating mechanism (44) that makes closing timing of an intake valve variable is provided. A response delay of the recirculated exhaust gas in association with the closing operation of the exhaust gas recirculation valve (42) is detected during the opening period of the exhaust gas recirculation valve (42). The closing timing of the intake valve is corrected so that the actual compression ratio becomes high when a response delay of the recirculated exhaust gas is detected.