The valve piston (2) guided within the valve body (1) is pressed into the valve seat (3) by the hydraulic power generated by the control pressure (X) on the closing area (5), provided the opening area (6) is depressurised by the pilot valve (4). Thus, the lines (A, B) are separated. By switching the pilot valve (4), also the opening area (6) of the valve piston (2) is pressurised and lifts off the valve seat (3), the valve piston (2) moves into the opened position up to the mechanical end position and to the stroke limitation (7). Thus, the lines (A, B) are connected. Control channel (Z) is assigned to the closing area and control channel (X) to the opening area. The valve can be opened and closed actively by means of control pressure (X, Y), independent of the pressure along the work lines (A, B). The area ratios “opening area/closing area” and “closing area/cable area (A, B)”, ensure a safe opening and closing of the valve. Depending on the design of the pilot valve (4), the basic valve position normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) is provided. The position of the valve piston (2) can be monitored by the proximity switch (8).