A control device includes an engine valve and a variable valve actuation mechanism that is able to change at least one of a valve operating angle and valve lift of the engine valve. When the at least one of the valve operating angle and the valve lift is larger than or equal to a prescribed upper limit, the control device increases an operating speed of the variable valve actuation mechanism as compared with when the at least one of the valve operating angle and the valve lift is smaller than the prescribed upper limit.