Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes a valve block; an injection nozzle carried by the valve block and having a nozzle opening; a valve needle slidable in the injection nozzle for assuming closed and open positions to block and, respectively, to unblock the nozzle opening; a closing spring urging the valve needle into the closed position; and a pressurized fluid port in the valve block. The nozzle opening is in communication with the pressurized fluid port in the open position of the valve needle. A discharge port is defined in the valve block for carrying fluid away therefrom. An equalizing piston, which is slidably disposed in a work chamber in the valve block, is connected with the valve needle. A control plunger is movable in the valve block and has a first position and a second position.