Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating an engine valve of an internal-combustion engine includes two electromagnets; an armature movably disposed in the space between the electromagnets for reciprocation in response to electromagnetic forces generated by the electromagnets; resetting springs operatively coupled to the armature for opposing armature motions effected by the electromagnetic forces; a push rod affixed to the armature for moving therewith as a unit; and a guide for guiding the push rod. The guide includes a guide cylinder and a push-rod piston carried by an end of the push rod. The push-rod piston is slidably received in the guide cylinder. A setting piston is slidably received in the guide cylinder and defines, with the push-rod piston, an intermediate chamber forming part of the cylinder. The setting piston has an end adapted to be operatively coupled to the engine valve. A fluid supply introduces hydraulic fluid into the intermediate chamber.